Thames Water has warned residents in Headington, Kidlington, and surrounding Oxfordshire postcodes they may face low water pressure or a temporary loss of water after a surge in demand during the recent hot weather. The utility reported the incident on 8 July 2026, with the OX3, OX5, OX33, OX9, OX25, OX26, and OX27 postcodes among those listed as affected.
The company has deployed additional water tankers, moved water around its network, and carefully balanced local storage to maintain supplies overnight. Teams are working around the clock, but with further hot weather forecast, demand remains high. A further update is expected by 9am on 9 July.
The disruption is the result of exceptionally high demand. Thames Water has urged everyone in the affected postcodes to only use the water they need and to temporarily avoid using hosepipes and sprinklers wherever possible. The utility’s broader water-saving campaign, launched in May, has been encouraging conservation ahead of the summer.
Eleven postcodes across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas are listed, including HP17, HP18, HP22, and MK18. Thames Water’s Priority Services Register remains available for customers who need extra support during the disruption.
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