Fresh hosepipe ban for 2 million more customers with 14 UK areas affected

Fresh hosepipe ban for 2 million more customers with 14 UK areas affected A ban has been rolled out by Essex and Suffolk Water for 14 areas which adds to some 23 million customers already under hosepipe bans across the country Two million more Brits are facing a hosepipe ban, with 14 areas affected by the new restrictions following an extreme summer of high temperatures and little rainfall. The UK has endured its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures topping 35C, while health authorities have warned England is on track to record its highest number of heat-related deaths since current records began. Half of England is officially in drought, despite a very wet winter, as an extremely dry July compounded a dry spring, and the successive heatwaves have put pressure on water resources. A hosepipe ban has now been introduced by Essex and Suffolk Water across 14 areas, with the temporary restrictions taking effect immediately and being enforced from Monday morning (August 3). It follows a sustained run of dry weather with July seeing little to no rainfall across East Anglia, soils are extremely dry and river flows are low. Fourteen areas facing new hosepipe ban Essex: - Barking - Basildon - Brentwood - Chelmsford - Hanningfield - Langford - Romford - Southend - Tilbury Suffolk: - Barsham - Great Yarmouth - Lowestoft - Southwold - Walpole Both Anglian Water and Affinity Water have already introduced hosepipe bans in Essex and Suffolk as a result of the ongoing dry conditions. The weather has led to an increased demand for water from customers in the two counties as they try to stay cool and hydrated. Customers are using an average of an extra 29 million litres of water per day, that’s the equivalent of adding an extra Chelmsford onto the existing supply area, the water supplier said. It has also impacted reservoir levels, with Hanningfield and Abberton sitting at a combined average of 69%, which is below average for this time of year. People have been urged to stop using their hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios and boats or filling swimming and paddling pools. Sprinklers and pressure washers are also prohibited under the ban. Some 23 million customers are now under hosepipe bans across mainly the south and east of England. Kieran Ingram, Water Director of Essex & Suffolk Water, said: “The Environment Agency has placed the region into drought because of the prolonged lack of rainfall, low river flows and dry soils, all of which are putting increasing pressure on the environment across East Anglia. “At times like this, it's important that we all play our part. We want to thank the many customers who have already voluntarily stopped using their hosepipes, and we're now asking everyone else to join them by following these temporary restrictions. “This isn't a decision we've taken lightly, but it's the right thing to do. By reducing non-essential water use, we're helping to protect our precious rivers and wildlife while also safeguarding water supplies, so they remain available for everyone as the hot, dry weather continues." Daniel Johns, Managing Director of Water Resources East said: "The Environment Agency has now declared drought status across East Anglia due to exceptionally hot and dry conditions impacting rivers, farming and wildlife across the region. Weather forecasts suggest there is no respite yet in sight. Even if it does begin to rain again it will take some time for the environment to recover. “Given the extreme situation, it is no surprise that Essex & Suffolk Water has introduced a temporary usage ban and they are right to do so. Hosepipes are now off limits across almost the entirety of Eastern of England. "The ban is just one element of action being taken to protect water supplies - Essex & Suffolk Water already has the best leakage performance in the country but are increasing the number of teams finding and fixing leaks as soon as they can. "All households and businesses must also do the right thing and try to minimise their water use to preserve stocks and protect nature."