Anglian Water Enacts Hosepipe Ban Due to Prolonged Dry Conditions
Anglian Water has implemented its first hosepipe ban in ten years in response to persistent hot and dry weather affecting the East of England. The restrictions officially commence at 01:00 BST on Saturday, though customers are encouraged to reduce water usage immediately to help conserve supplies.
On Thursday, Cambridge Water also announced its first hosepipe ban in three decades as the UK entered its third heatwave of 2026.
Anglian Water described the decision to enforce the temporary ban as "very difficult" but necessary to safeguard customer water supplies and protect the region's environment.
Details of the Hosepipe Ban in the UK's Driest Region
The ban, officially termed a "temporary use ban," restricts domestic use of hosepipes for activities such as filling paddling pools and hot tubs, washing cars and windows, and watering gardens. However, Anglian Water stated that watering fruit, vegetables, and gardens with a watering can remains permitted.
The company also advised non-domestic customers to conserve water by refraining from washing commercial vehicles.
East Anglia was identified as the UK's driest region during the Met Office's latest 30-year averaging period from 1991 to the end of 2020.
Anglian Water provides drinking and wastewater services across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
The East of England experienced the second driest spring on record, receiving only 39% of expected rainfall.
The company noted that the dry spring combined with record-breaking temperatures has led to exceptionally high water demand.
Many rivers in the region are at notably or exceptionally low levels, and reservoirs are less full than usual.
Impact and Response to the Hosepipe Ban
Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning at Anglian Water, emphasized the strain on water supplies due to ongoing conditions.
"Understandably, customers have wanted to stay cool and have fun in the sun, but the unrelenting conditions are placing the environment and water supplies under increasing strain," said Dr Darch.
"We are now at the point where we need to ask customers to help by hanging up the hosepipe, letting lawns go brown, cars go dirty and using water even more wisely."
He added that teams are working around the clock to maintain water flow.
Anglian Water has joined other organizations in promoting water-saving initiatives.
"We have prepared for periods of prolonged dry weather and invested hundreds of millions each year to build our region's resilience," Dr Darch stated.
Restrictions Included in the Hosepipe Ban
The ban prohibits filling paddling pools or hot tubs, washing cars or boats, and using hosepipes to water gardens.
Environmental and Agricultural Effects
The Environment Agency reported that parts of East Anglia are currently experiencing "prolonged dry weather status," having only recently exited drought recovery in March.
"Farmers have reported issues with spring crops and have had to start irrigating earlier because of the dry soils," a spokesperson said.
The agency highlighted that water resources are under significant strain due to climate change.
"Dry weather depletes our water, and hot weather means we use more of it," the spokesperson added.
"These short-term bans help companies to manage their supplies so that more water remains in the local environment longer, which is vital for the health of our rivers and wildlife."
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and Additional Coverage
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