Households across much of the East of England are now subject to hosepipe bans, with three of the region's four main water companies enforcing restrictions. Anglian Water, Affinity Water, and Cambridge Water have all cited prolonged hot, dry weather and unprecedented demand for water as the primary reasons for the temporary measures. Customers caught using a hosepipe for activities such as watering gardens or filling swimming pools risk a fine of up to £1,000.
Affinity Water's restrictions came into effect on 10 July, impacting customers in parts of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Surrey, and areas of north and west London. Cambridge Water will follow suit from 17 July, marking the first time in 30 years the company has imposed a ban on its customers in Cambridgeshire and parts of Hertfordshire. Anglian Water, which serves a wide area including parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, and Suffolk, has already put its ban in place.
Despite the widespread restrictions, Essex & Suffolk Water (ESW), which borders the affected areas, has not imposed a ban on its customers. The company explained that while geographical proximity exists, each water provider manages distinct water resources and networks. Factors such as reservoir levels, local demand, weather forecasts, water network efficiency, and raw water quality all contribute to the decision-making process regarding a ban.
ESW highlighted its significant investment in infrastructure, including a £150 million expansion of Abberton Reservoir in 2015, which was the nation's largest reservoir development for 25 years at the time. The company also plans to invest a further £1.5 billion between 2025 and 2030 to enhance its service and strengthen its network. Kieran Ingram, Water Director at ESW, stated that while no ban is in place, he is still appealing to customers to use water responsibly due to lower river flows, high demand, and weather-related pipe bursts.
The decisions come after a period of intense heatwaves across the country, with the Met Office identifying the East of England as the UK's driest region between 1991 and 2020. Water companies across the board are experiencing demand significantly above average, with Affinity Water reporting levels approximately 20% higher than usual. This exceptional demand, coupled with limited rainfall, has necessitated the introduction of restrictions to safeguard water supplies and protect the environment.