Temporary Hosepipe Ban

Following months of exceptionally dry weather, three successive heatwaves and significantly increased demand for water, Anglian Water will tomorrow announce a Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) across our East of England region for domestic customers.

The ban will be implemented immediately, then enforced from 1am on Saturday 11th July. Several other water companies are responding similarly to the same conditions. 

Why is this needed? 

The Environment Agency has reported this week that many of the rivers across the region served by Anglian Water are at notably or exceptionally low levels and reservoirs are at lower levels than expected for the time of year after only 39% of the expected rain fell this spring.   

At the same time, customer demand has increased in response to the very hot weather, with smart meter data showing consumption increased by over 25% on hot days. Our operational teams have been working around the clock to maximise water production and supply, move water around the network to where it is most needed, and redeploy teams to fix more leaks as quickly as possible. This has enabled us to increase water production by as much as 30% to help keep pace with demand. 

With hot, dry weather expected to continue through the summer, pressure on water resources and the environment is unlikely to ease. We have therefore concluded that introducing a Temporary Use Ban is now the responsible course of action. Acting early will help reduce demand, safeguard vulnerable river catchments and improve our ability to maintain resilient supplies should the dry weather continue through the summer.   

There are a small number of exceptions to the ban to protect jobs, livelihoods and those customers who are most vulnerable. Customers can still water their gardens and grow fruit and vegetables if they use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler. At present, the ban only applies to domestic hosepipe use. Full details will be live on our website here www.anglianwater.co.uk/hosepipe-restrictions.

If you have any further questions please contact us via public.affairs@anglianwater.co.uk. Thank you for your continued support