Heat-Related Water Pipe Bursts: Is Your Business Prepared?

The UK’s water infrastructure is facing a new challenge: extreme heat. This summer has brought prolonged periods of hot, dry weather, drought conditions and high demand for water. 

Now, as reported by the BBC, burst water mains are also becoming an increasingly visible consequence of extreme weather, with incidents across the West of England causing road closures, flooding and interruptions to water supplies.

For businesses, this highlights an important point. Water resilience is not simply about having enough water available. It is also about having infrastructure capable of delivering that water reliably when conditions become more challenging.

So, why are pipes bursting during heatwaves, and what can businesses do to reduce the potential impact?

Why do water pipes burst during hot weather?

We might normally associate burst pipes with freezing winter temperatures, but extreme heat can also put significant pressure on underground water networks.

As the ground becomes extremely dry, it can move and shift. Underground pipes are comparatively rigid, meaning this movement can put additional stress on them. 

According to Bristol Water, this is contributing to bursts occurring during summer conditions – an issue that was historically much more associated with winter.

Age is another important factor. Many sections of the UK’s water infrastructure are decades, and in some cases more than a century, old. Older pipes can be more susceptible to cracking and failure as materials deteriorate over time.

The BBC reported that Bristol Water’s network still includes infrastructure dating back to the 19th century, while the company said the prolonged hot and dry weather this summer had placed significant pressure on its network. 

It reported that the number of bursts increased by 109 per cent between June and July 2026.

This is not necessarily a problem that can be solved simply by repairing individual leaks. With climate patterns changing and extreme weather becoming more common, the resilience of the underlying network is becoming increasingly important.

What happens when a water main bursts?

The consequences of a burst main can range from relatively minor disruption to serious operational problems.

A significant burst can:

• Interrupt the water supply to nearby businesses
• Reduce water pressure
• Cause localised flooding
• Disrupt roads and access to commercial premises
• Affect production and manufacturing processes
• Create problems for hospitality businesses
• Increase the amount of water lost through leakage
• Require emergency repairs and temporary measures

The BBC highlighted a burst main in Cheltenham in August which resulted in a major road closure, while another incident near Bristol affected almost 1,500 homes and businesses, cutting off their water supply for much of the day.

For a business that relies heavily on water, even a temporary interruption can have significant consequences.

A restaurant may be unable to operate normally without water for kitchens and hygiene. A manufacturer may have to pause a process that depends on a consistent supply.  Offices, hotels, healthcare facilities and retail premises can all face practical difficulties.

This is why businesses should think about water supply as part of business continuity and resilience, rather than simply another utility bill.

Is drought making the problem worse?

The current situation is particularly challenging because the UK is dealing with several water-related pressures at the same time.

The prolonged dry weather has reduced water availability, while hot temperatures can increase demand. At the same time, dry ground can put additional stress on underground infrastructure.

Across the West of England, the BBC reported that Wessex Water introduced its first hosepipe ban in 50 years in August, following record demand. Its reservoirs had fallen to 47 per cent capacity, while Bristol Water’s reservoirs were reported at 55 per cent full.

This creates a difficult balancing act for water companies: they need to maintain supplies, manage demand, repair leaks and bursts, and protect already-stretched water resources. For businesses, it reinforces the importance of using water efficiently.

Could your commercial water supplier help?

Since the deregulation of the business water market, eligible businesses in England have been able to choose their water retailer. This means that businesses do not necessarily have to remain with the same commercial water supplier indefinitely.

Switching supplier will not change the physical pipes delivering water to your premises. However, different retailers can offer different approaches to billing, customer service, account management and water-efficiency support.

That makes comparing suppliers worthwhile, particularly if your business has not reviewed its water arrangements for several years. It is also important to remember that switching business water supplier is not just about finding the cheapest tariff.

Businesses should consider the wider service they receive, including how easy it is to resolve billing issues, whether consumption data is readily available and what support is offered to improve water efficiency.

How can businesses prepare for future extreme weather?

The BBC’s reporting raises a broader question about whether the UK’s water infrastructure is sufficiently resilient for a future of more frequent extreme weather.

Dr Francesca Pianosi, an associate professor in water and environmental engineering at the University of Bristol, told the BBC that many UK water networks were built under climatic conditions that differ from those being experienced today. 

She highlighted measures including reducing leakage, improving supply infrastructure and reducing demand. For businesses, this means water management should increasingly be considered a long-term strategic issue.

Useful measures can include:

• Monitor consumption: Understand where, when and how much water your business uses.
• Investigate leaks: Unexpected changes in consumption can provide an early warning of potential leaks.
• Improve efficiency: Look for water-saving technology and processes that can reduce unnecessary consumption.
• Consider alternative sources: Depending on the business and location, solutions such as rainwater harvesting or water recycling may be appropriate.
• Review your supplier: Make sure your commercial water retailer provides the service and support your business needs.
• Have a contingency plan: Consider what your business would do if its water supply was temporarily interrupted.

Is it time to review your business water supply?

This summer’s combination of drought, record demand and heat-related pipe bursts demonstrates how interconnected the UK’s water challenges have become. Reviewing your commercial water arrangements is therefore a sensible measure.

Switch Water Supplier makes it easier for businesses to compare commercial water providers in the UK, helping organisations assess their options and find a water supplier that suits their requirements.