Anglian Water hosepipe ban expected to continue into 2027
The restriction initially came into force on 11th July
Anglian Water has warned its hosepipe ban is likely to remain in place into next year, despite recent rainfall helping water levels slowly recover.
The company says reservoirs and groundwater supplies remain significantly below normal levels following months of exceptionally dry weather.
The hosepipe ban first came into force on 11th July 2026 following months of unusually dry weather across the region.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio News, Anglian Water programme manager Laura Tuplin said the region is still experiencing drought conditions.
She says Grafham Water is currently at 56% capacity, while Rutland Water stands at 64% – their lowest levels for this time of year since 1997.
"We've had rain recently, which is really welcome," she said.
"But we've had exceptionally dry weather. Between March and September, our region received only half of the rainfall we'd normally expect."
Asked when restrictions could be lifted, Laura confirmed there is currently no date in mind.
"I do expect that it will go into the next year," she said.
"The Environment Agency is predicting that we need several months of above average rainfall."
Despite the ongoing restrictions, Anglian Water says customers have helped reduce demand by around 5% to 6%.
Laura also confirmed the company has not taken any enforcement action against customers breaking the rules, instead encouraging people to continue saving water.
The ban was announced just 19 days before drought was declared across half of England in July.
Asked whether Anglian Water should have acted earlier, Laura defended the company's response.
"I don't think we should have put it in sooner, but I do think that it's really important that we do follow our drought plan and the measures within it."
She added that the company is currently reviewing lessons from this year's drought, which will help inform its future response to water shortages.