Anglian Water Hosepipe Ban Warning: Restrictions Likely

Anglian Water has stated that while it is not currently restricting household water use, an Anglian Water hosepipe ban may still be necessary later this summer. Despite recent rainfall slightly improving river and reservoir levels, the company said these conditions have only postponed the need for restrictions rather than eliminated the risk.
Why an Anglian Water Hosepipe Ban May Still Happen
The water supplier, which serves a large part of the East of England, highlighted uncertainty in long-term weather forecasts as a key reason why an Anglian Water hosepipe ban could still be enforced. This comes after several other UK water companies have already introduced hosepipe restrictions due to an unusually hot and dry start to the year.
Dry Conditions and Leak Prevention
Recent months have been exceptionally dry, prompting Anglian Water to focus heavily on tackling leaks and preventing water loss. The company has allocated £10 million this year for pipe maintenance and invested in a dedicated team of 250 people working on leakage reduction. According to Ian Rule, Director of Water Services, this investment has delayed the need for restrictions so far.
“The East of England is the driest part of the country, so we plan carefully. However, the past few months have been exceptionally dry, even for our region. Forecasts remain uncertain, so a hosepipe ban by Anglian Water is still a possibility,” Mr Rule stated.
Impact on Rivers, Agriculture, and Environment
River levels were reported to be low following a dry spring, though they responded better than expected to recent rainfall. Still, the company emphasized that the decision on an Anglian Water hosepipe ban involves balancing environmental protection with supporting agriculture in the region. Farmers have already raised concerns about crop damage and water shortages.
Climate Change and Long-Term Challenges
The driest start to spring in 69 years has raised alarms about water scarcity, with low reservoir levels and wildfires affecting parts of the region. Although the Environment Agency reports only a medium risk of drought, the Met Office confirmed that March was the driest since 1961, with record sunshine levels. Some farms, like those near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, are investing millions in building additional reservoirs to cope with future water shortages.

Experts warn that climate change is shifting the UK’s weather patterns dramatically. Reports indicate hotter and drier summers are becoming the norm, with more intense heatwaves leading to higher evaporation rates. These conditions make hosepipe bans by Anglian Water and other suppliers more likely in the years ahead.
What Residents Can Do
Anglian Water is urging households to use water responsibly to help avoid stricter measures such as a hosepipe ban later this year. Small actions like fixing household leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing outdoor water use can make a big difference in preserving supplies.