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Hosepipe bans start in parts of England
Several water companies will enforce temporary hosepipe bans starting this weekend as temperatures remain high and drought concerns rise. The restrictions affect millions of customers in multiple regions.
Jul 10, 5:03 AM·1m read2 sources
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The measures come as officials monitor drought risks in several regions and water resources remain under pressure. Anglian Water, which serves more than five million customers in the East of England, will begin its ban on Saturday 11 July. The company cited exceptionally hot and dry conditions this year as the reason for the restriction.
Earlier restrictions South East Water placed a hosepipe ban on parts of Kent beginning 3 July, one week after a similar measure during June's heatwave. Southern Water will enforce a ban for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from Friday 10 July.
Cambridge Water announced a temporary ban affecting its 350,000 customers, the first such restriction in three decades. Other companies have issued advisories asking households to limit outdoor water use without imposing formal bans.
Enforcement and health alerts Breaching an official hosepipe ban can result in fines of up to £1,000. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts for most regions until Sunday 12 July, with a yellow alert in place for the North East.
National Drought Group chair Helen Wakeham stated in June that heatwaves can drive spikes in water demand and urged everyone to be mindful of water use. Officials continue to monitor conditions in East Anglia, Devon, and Cornwall.
