Anglian Water has implemented a temporary hosepipe ban, its first in a decade, across parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. The restrictions, officially termed a "temporary use ban," came into effect at 01:00 BST on Saturday, 11 July 2026, following what the company describes as "unrelenting" hot and dry conditions in the East of England.
This decision, described by Anglian Water as "very difficult," is deemed necessary to safeguard both customer water supplies and the region's delicate environment. The East of England, recognised as the driest region in the UK, has endured its second driest spring on record, receiving only 39% of its anticipated rainfall. This deficit, combined with recent record-breaking temperatures, has led to a significant surge in water demand.
The ban specifically targets domestic hosepipe use for tasks such as filling paddling pools and hot tubs, washing cars and windows, and watering gardens. However, residents are still permitted to water fruit, vegetables, and gardens using a watering can. Anglian Water has also urged non-domestic customers to conserve water by refraining from washing commercial vehicles.
The widespread strain on water resources is not isolated to Anglian Water's service area. Cambridge Water announced its first hosepipe ban in 30 years on Thursday, 9 July 2026, while Affinity Water is set to introduce similar restrictions from 17 July across much of Hertfordshire and surrounding counties. Dr. Geoff Darch, Anglian Water's head of strategic asset planning, highlighted that many of the region's rivers are at notably or exceptionally low levels, and reservoirs are significantly less full than usual.
The Environment Agency has confirmed that parts of East Anglia have now entered a "prolonged dry weather status," having only emerged from drought recovery in March. A spokesperson for the agency noted that farmers are already reporting issues with spring crops and have had to commence irrigation earlier due to dry soils. They emphasised that water resources are under "tremendous strain" due to climate change, with dry weather depleting supplies and hot weather increasing usage.