Anglian Water Maintains Hosepipe Ban Across East England

The utility company Anglian Water announced on July 27, 2026, that hosepipe restrictions implemented on July 11 will remain in effect for parts of Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. This represents the first ban in the region since 2012, triggered by a period of extreme heat where temperatures exceeded 35C.

The restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning private vehicles, or filling swimming pools and hot tubs. Since the ban began, Anglian Water reported that water demand has fallen by 9 percent, a decrease that has helped maintain supplies while reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater levels remain lower than normal.

To further support water resources, the company has deployed additional teams to locate and repair leaks across the affected regions. Exemptions from the ban are provided for animal welfare, religious observance, health and safety, specific business requirements, and individuals on the Priority Services Register. The company stated that restrictions will stay in place as long as necessary to protect the environment and water resources.