Anglian Water have announced a hosepipe ban.
The Environment Agency has reported this week that many of the rivers across the region served by Anglian Water are at notably or exceptionally low levels and reservoirs are at lower levels than expected for the time of year after only 39% of the expected rain fell this spring.
At the same time, customer demand has increased in response to the very hot weather, with smart meter data showing consumption increased by over 25% on hot days.
The hosepipe ban is with immediate effect, with restrictions becoming enforceable by law from 01:00 BST on Saturday 11 July.
That means until these restrictions end, you cannot use a hosepipe (or anything attached to a hosepipe, like a pressure washer) for the following:
- Watering your garden
- Watering plants
- Washing your car
- Cleaning patios and driveways
- Cleaning walls and windows
- Filling paddling pools, swimming pools or hot tubs
- Filling ponds and ornamental fountains
- Cleaning private leisure boats
You can continue to water gardens and grow fruit and vegetables using a watering can, bucket, water from a water butt or a drip or trickle irrigation system if:
- it is fitted with a timer
- it is fitted with a pressure reducing valve
- it is not handheld
- it delivers water directly to the soil or plant roots
Sprinklers, misters, spray irrigation systems and other irrigation equipment that disperses water into the air are not to be used.
Hopefully this restriction will only be in force for a short while.
More details can be found at the Anglian Water website.
