No end in sight for hosepipe ban across parts of HFM region

There’s still no end in sight for the hosepipe ban across parts of the HFM region.

The restriction has been in place for nearly two months because of the drought, and despite some recent rainfall, reservoirs, rivers and groundwater levels remain much lower than normal.

Anglian Water, which supplies most of Northamptonshire and some parts of Leicestershire, says demand for water initially fell by nine per cent after the ban was introduced and has now stabilised at around five per cent lower.

An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “We’re incredibly grateful to our customers for the support they’ve shown since temporary hosepipe restrictions were introduced.

“This is making a real difference by reducing pressure on our water resources and helping us to maintain supplies for customers.”

The company says some parts of the East of England have started to see heavy rain, but water resources remain below what would normally be expected at this time of year, with some rivers at exceptionally low levels.

Anglian Water says the ground is also extremely dry after months without meaningful rainfall, meaning rain can run off the surface rather than soaking into the ground.

The spokesperson said the company’s teams are treating and supplying more water than usual, fixing leaks around the clock and moving water around its network to meet demand.

However, customers are still being asked to reduce their water use while supplies recover from the drought.

Market Harborough itself is not subject to the ban, as Severn Trent Water supplies drinking water to the town, while Anglian Water is responsible for wastewater services.