Part of HFM Region Faces Hosepipe Ban From Tomorrow

Hundreds of people across the HFM region will be banned from using hosepipes from tomorrow as the hot, dry weather continues.

Anglian Water is introducing its first hosepipe ban in more than a decade across the areas it serves, including Northamptonshire, saying the move is needed to protect water supplies and the environment.

The restrictions mean customers will no longer be able to use hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows or filling paddling pools and hot tubs.

People will still be able to water fruit, vegetables and plants using a watering can, while businesses are also being urged to use water wisely.

Photo by Steve DiMatteo on Unsplash

Anglian Water said it had been “a very difficult decision” to introduce the temporary use ban, but record-breaking temperatures and one of the driest springs on record have placed unprecedented pressure on supplies.

The East of England has experienced its second driest spring on record, with just 39 per cent of expected rainfall. The company says rivers are at notably or exceptionally low levels, reservoirs are below normal and demand for water has reached exceptionally high levels.

Dr Geoff Darch, Anglian Water’s Head of Strategic Asset Planning, said: “Our teams are working 24/7 to keep taps flowing. Understandably, customers have wanted to stay cool and have fun in the sun, but the unrelenting conditions are placing the environment and water supplies under increasing strain. We are now at the point where we need to ask customers to help by hanging up the hosepipe.”

Severn Trent Water, which supplies Market Harborough and most of Leicestershire, has not announced any plans to introduce a hosepipe ban.