Anglian Water Bans Hosepipe Use for Five Million Customers Starting Saturday

Anglian Water announced a hosepipe ban affecting five million customers across the East of England. The restriction takes effect at 1 a.m. on Saturday and prohibits watering gardens, washing cars, and filling swimming or paddling pools.

The company urged customers to follow the rules immediately. Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning at Anglian Water, said the year has been exceptionally hot and dry. He noted the region is already in its third heatwave of the summer and that each additional day of high temperatures increases pressure on supply and demand.

Thursday marked the eighth day this year when temperatures reached or exceeded 34C, a record for any single calendar year. Southern Water will require one million customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to limit water use starting Friday. Tim McMahon, the company's boss, stated there will be no ban in Sussex but asked customers to use water wisely.

Cambridge Water imposed a hosepipe ban on its 350,000 customers the previous day, the first such restriction in three decades. South East Water introduced a ban on July 3 covering parts of Kent. Residents there face fines of up to £1,000 for using a hosepipe.

The company said it had prepared for summer demand but the sustained heatwave exceeded expectations. GB News reported that officials are monitoring East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall for possible drought declarations.