Two million more individuals in the UK are now subject to a hosepipe ban, affecting 14 areas due to a summer marked by high temperatures and limited rainfall. The nation has experienced its fourth heatwave of the season, with temperatures surpassing 35C, while health authorities have expressed concerns over the potential for a record number of heat-related deaths in England.
Despite a wet winter, half of England is officially experiencing drought conditions as a dry spring followed by an extremely dry July has strained water resources. Essex and Suffolk Water have implemented a hosepipe ban in 14 regions, with restrictions coming into force immediately and enforcement beginning on Monday, August 3.
The prolonged dry weather in July, particularly in East Anglia, where rainfall has been scarce, has led to parched soils and low river flows. Anglian Water and Affinity Water have already enforced hosepipe bans in Essex and Suffolk due to the persistent dry spell.
The heightened demand for water in these regions has led to an additional usage of 29 million liters per day, equivalent to the demand of an extra town like Chelmsford. Reservoir levels at Hanningfield and Abberton are currently at 69%, below the usual levels for this time of year.
To conserve water, residents are urged to refrain from using hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, or filling pools. The prohibition also extends to sprinklers and pressure washers. Approximately 23 million customers in the south and east of England are now under hosepipe bans.
Kieran Ingram, Water Director of Essex & Suffolk Water, emphasized the importance of reducing non-essential water usage to protect the environment. Similarly, Daniel Johns, Managing Director of Water Resources East, highlighted the impact of the drought on the region’s rivers, agriculture, and wildlife, urging households and businesses to minimize water consumption to preserve resources and ecosystems.
