Hosepipe ban begins today for Essex & Suffolk Water customers
The temporary water use ban is being implemented from today (Monday 3rd August)
Customers of Essex & Suffolk Water are now under a hosepipe ban today, as the company has announced a temporary water use ban.
This follows the Environment Agency declaring a drought across the East of England.
The temporary restrictions began at midnight on Monday 3rd August.
The company says that increased demand for water, caused by the hot and dry weather, has impacted their reservoirs in Hanningfield and Abberton, with them sitting at a combined average of 69%.
They say that customers are using an average of 29 million litres of water per day in the area - which is the equivalent of adding an extra Chelmsford.
The ban is set to impact customers as they can no longer use hosepipes to water their gardens, wash cars, or use sprinklers and pressure washers.
Kieran Ingram, Water Director, said: “The Environment Agency has placed the region into drought because of the prolonged lack of rainfall, low river flows and dry soils, all of which are putting increasing pressure on the environment across East Anglia.
“At times like this, it's important that we all play our part. We want to thank the many customers who have already voluntarily stopped using their hosepipes, and we're now asking everyone else to join them by following these temporary restrictions.
“This isn't a decision we've taken lightly, but it's the right thing to do. By reducing non-essential water use, we're helping to protect our precious rivers and wildlife while also safeguarding water supplies, so they remain available for everyone as the hot, dry weather continues."
Daniel Johns, Managing Director of Water Resources East said: "The Environment Agency has now declared drought status across East Anglia due to exceptionally hot and dry conditions impacting rivers, farming and wildlife across the region. Weather forecasts suggest there is no respite yet in sight. Even if it does begin to rain again it will take some time for the environment to recover.
“Given the extreme situation, it is no surprise that Essex & Suffolk Water has introduced a temporary usage ban and they are right to do so.
“Hosepipes are now off limits across almost the entirety of Eastern of England. The ban is just one element of action being taken to protect water supplies - Essex & Suffolk Water already has the best leakage performance in the country but are increasing the number of teams finding and fixing leaks as soon as they can.
“All households and businesses must also do the right thing and try to minimise their water use to preserve stocks and protect nature."