Anglian Water has confirmed it will not be implementing a hosepipe ban for summer 2026. This decision comes despite England experiencing its warmest June on record and the Anglian region recording its second driest spring on record this year.
While overall water resources remain secure for Anglian Water, the company is urging customers to use water carefully. On one of the hottest days in June 2026, Anglian Water supplied 1,600 million litres of water, which is approximately a third more than its usual supply.
"We have no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban this year," stated Ian Rule, Anglian Water's Director of Water Services. He added, "But during this current heatwave, we're having to produce more water than ever before to keep everyone on supply, so we'd urge customers to avoid using hosepipes and use less water wherever they can.”
Anglian Water's message for the summer is "small changes, big impact."
What this means for you
If you are an Anglian Water customer, you will not face a hosepipe ban this summer. However, the company is strongly encouraging everyone to make small changes to reduce their daily water consumption to help manage the unprecedented demand.
Why no ban, despite the heat?
Anglian Water states that its primary challenge is treating and moving water through its pipes fast enough to keep up with record demand, rather than a shortage of water resources themselves. While some sources in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire are currently at below-normal levels, overall resources are secure.
Smart meter data showed that during the late May bank holiday, average water use in the Anglian region increased by over a quarter, from 120 litres per person per day to more than 150 litres.
What about other water companies?
In contrast to Anglian Water, South East Water introduced a hosepipe ban for approximately 850,000 customers in Kent. This ban became effective from July 3, 2026, due to high temperatures and record demand.
Other companies, like Wessex Water and South West Water, have also confirmed they have no plans for a hosepipe ban this summer, citing good reservoir and groundwater levels after the wet winter.
What critics say
While water companies urge customers to conserve water, critics often point to the issue of leakage within the infrastructure. Across the UK, water companies lose nearly 3 billion litres of fresh drinkable water daily through leaks in their pipes.
Where to get help and advice
For practical tips on how to reduce your water usage, you can visit the Anglian Water website. Ofwat, the water regulator, defines a hosepipe ban (officially a Temporary Use Ban) as a restriction to conserve supplies, and water firms can impose fines of up to £1,000 for violations under the Water Industry Act, although this does not apply to Anglian Water customers this summer.
Sources
- Anglian Water — Stance on hosepipe ban, demand figures, official statements
- Ofwat — Definition of hosepipe ban, potential fines
- South East Water — Introduction of hosepipe ban
- Wessex Water — Stance on hosepipe ban
- South West Water — Stance on hosepipe ban