Water company 'can't rule out' hosepipe ban
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. . .
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, whichsuggest another stretch of exceptionally hot weather this July, have made Anglian Water reconsider its position, according to theLocal 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 theUK's hottest ever June temperature recorded in Norfolkat 37. 7C (99. 9F). Water levels at Anglian Water's Rutland Water reservoir ran very low in August 2025 [BBC/Ben Jackson]Anglian Water suggested heatwaves would become more common because of climate change. "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. The company believes consumers will need to develop a sustained change in behaviour. "Climate change and population growth are increasing pressure on our water resources," Rule said. "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. People using paddling pools to stay cool are encouraged to keep the same water rather than refilling it [Laurence Coss/BBC]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 canHold off washing your car or patio- which uses a lot of clean, treated waterReuse paddling pool water- cover it with a sheet to prevent bugs and leaves getting inLove 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 waterReuse waste water- if rinsing plates etc, collect the water to use in the garden. Do you have a story suggestion? Contact us below. Follow East of England news onX,Instagramand Facebook:BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks,BBC Cambridgeshire,BBC Essex,BBC Norfolk,BBC NorthamptonshireorBBC Suffolk. Related Links