History. 3 of 5: Thames Water 2006, Southern Water 2025 and South East Water 2025, after 52 to 82 days; one granted, one still waiting.
Hunch. On 6 October the company's Sam Bottomley said reservoirs just haven't recovered and called the ban a last resort.
The withdrawal market resolves on the GOV.UK drought report for the week to 6 January 2027 and South West Water statements: YES if the company withdrew the request before ministers decided, and NO if ministers decided or the request is still open or only paused. BBC News and The Guardian confirm it.
We looked for cases where a water company in England asked the government for a ban on non-essential water use. We found five such requests since 2006 with a date on an open page. Ministers agreed to one, companies withdrew three, and one is still waiting.