Hosepipe ban in East of England as heatwave continues
Anglian Water and Cambridge Water impose restrictions amid drought warnings
Millions of customers in the East of England are set to face hosepipe bans as the UK swelters in a persistent heatwave.
Anglian Water announced a hosepipe ban for over five million of its customers, starting from 1am on Saturday.
The restrictions will forbid the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, and filling pools.
The utility company has urged customers to “live within the spirit of these restrictions immediately” due to pressing drought conditions.
Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning for Anglian Water, emphasised the severity of the situation:
“This year has been exceptionally hot and dry, and we’re already into the third heatwave of the summer.”
Cambridge Water is also imposing a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers.
This marks the first time in three decades that such restrictions have been introduced.
The company noted that local water resources are under “significant pressure” with record demand levels following low rainfall.
South East Water had already enacted restrictions earlier in July across Kent, affecting areas including Ashford, Maidstone, and Canterbury.
In addition, Southern Water’s hosepipe bans are set to affect one million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from Friday.
The series of bans come as officials warn of increasing drought risks in regions such as East Anglia, Devon, and Cornwall.
Authorities are closely monitoring water resources as temperatures continue to soar.