E&S Water- Hosepipe ban from 12am Monday 3rd August

Temporary Use Ban from Monday 3 August

Following the Environment Agency's announcement of drought across the East Anglian area, we're introducing a Temporary Use Ban, also known as a hosepipe ban, across the Essex & Suffolk Water supply area from 00:01 on Monday 3 August.

We're taking this step following months of exceptionally dry weather across East Anglia. July has seen very little rainfall and prolonged hot conditions, leaving river flows low, groundwater sources under pressure and reservoir levels below where we'd expect them to be at this time of year. At the same time, demand for water has increased significantly, with customers using around 29 million litres more water every day than normal, that's the same as adding an extra Chelmsford onto our existing supply area.

After the Environment Agency declared drought status across the whole of East Anglia, reducing non-essential water use is the right thing to do to help protect our water resources and the environment, and every drop saved can make a difference.

Why we're introducing the ban

We know this may be frustrating, and it's not a decision we've taken lightly. Our teams have been working around the clock to maximise water production, move supplies to where they're needed most, and repair leaks as quickly as possible.

However, with drought conditions now affecting East Anglia and forecasts indicating hot, dry weather is likely to continue, reducing non-essential water use is the right thing to do. It will help protect local rivers and wildlife while safeguarding water supplies for everyone.

We'd like to thank the many customers who have already voluntarily reduced their water use. Your efforts are making a real difference, and we now need everyone to play their part.