Two million additional residents in the UK are now under a hosepipe ban, affecting 14 regions due to the recent scorching summer weather with high temperatures and limited rainfall.
The country is experiencing its fourth heatwave of the season, with temperatures soaring above 35C. Authorities have issued warnings that England may see its highest number of heat-related fatalities since the beginning of recorded data.
Despite a wet winter, half of England is officially in drought as a dry spring and extremely low rainfall in July have strained water resources due to consecutive heatwaves.
Essex and Suffolk Water have implemented a hosepipe ban in 14 areas to cope with the water shortage, effective immediately and enforced starting Monday, August 3.
The prolonged dry spell in July, particularly in East Anglia, has led to extremely dry soil and reduced river flows, prompting Anglian Water and Affinity Water to enforce hosepipe bans in Essex and Suffolk.
Demand for water has surged in Essex and Suffolk as residents strive to stay cool and hydrated. The increased usage, equivalent to an additional 29 million liters daily, has strained reservoir levels, which currently stand at 69% capacity, below the seasonal average.
Residents are urged to refrain from using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, or filling swimming pools as sprinklers and pressure washers are also prohibited under the ban.
Approximately 23 million customers in the southern and eastern parts of England are now affected by hosepipe bans.
Kieran Ingram, Water Director of Essex & Suffolk Water, emphasized the need for collective effort to conserve water amid the drought conditions to protect the environment and ensure a stable water supply.
Daniel Johns, Managing Director of Water Resources East, supported the ban as a necessary measure to safeguard water supplies in the face of ongoing dry conditions across East Anglia.
Essex & Suffolk Water is intensifying leak detection and repair efforts to maintain water availability. All households and businesses are urged to reduce water usage to preserve resources and protect the environment.
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