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Water company 'can't rule out' hosepipe ban

Darren CalpinLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageElizabeth Needham-Bennett/BBC A yellow hosepipe sits on a green and brown lawn with the sprinkler on.Elizabeth Needham-Bennett/BBC
Anglian Water provides water services to nearly seven million people over a wide area

The prospect of yet another heatwave has forced Anglian Water to reassess its stance on whether to impose a hosepipe ban across the East of England.

In June, the utility company issued a statement saying it had "no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban this year".

However, the latest weather forecasts, which suggest another stretch of exceptionally hot weather this July, have made Anglian Water reconsider its position, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Although we're not putting hosepipe bans in place at the moment, the situation is changing very quickly and we can't completely rule them out for this summer," said the company's director of water services, Ian Rule.

The upcoming spell of hot weather will be the third heatwave in 2026, with the UK's hottest ever June temperature recorded in Norfolk at 37.7C (99.9F).

News imageBBC/Ben Jackson The reservoir is largely empty with concrete and stones on show. A small amount of water can be seen in the distance. BBC/Ben Jackson
Water levels at Anglian Water's Rutland Water reservoir ran very low in August 2025

Anglian Water supplies drinking water and wastewater services to parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire and Suffolk.

The company suggests that, with the prospect of heatwaves becoming more common, consumers will need to adopt a change in behaviour.

"Right now, we're facing another hot spell, and we know we're likely to see more of this weather this summer – not to mention the years to come," Rule said.

"Climate change and population growth are increasing pressure on our water resources.

"By using a little less water where you can, you can help ensure there's enough for everyone, now and for generations to come."

He added that Anglian Water was investing in "major infrastructure", including two new reservoirs, a pipeline and desalination to ensure reliable water supplies for the future.

News imageLaurence Coss/BBC A blue plastic paddling pool in the garden, with a green hose running into it. It is next to a mini tent full of plastic lightweight balls.Laurence Coss/BBC
People using paddling pools to stay cool are encouraged to keep the same water rather than refilling it

Anglian Water has urged customers to use these tactics to reduce water use:

  • Ditch the hosepipe - a hosepipe uses around five times more water than a watering can
  • Hold off washing your car or patio - which uses a lot of clean, treated water
  • Reuse paddling pool water - cover it with a sheet to prevent bugs and leaves getting in
  • Love your brown lawn - Anglian said the lawn is "tougher than you think", but if it desperately needs watering, reuse bath or rain water, not drinking water
  • Reuse waste water - if rinsing plates etc, collect the water to use in the garden.

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