Following the Environment Agency’s announcement of drought across the East Anglian area, Essex & Suffolk Water is introducing a Temporary Use Ban, also known as a hosepipe ban, for customers across the entire supply area.
The temporary restrictions, which have been implemented immediately and came into force from 00.01am this morning, follow months of prolonged dry weather.
Essex & Suffolk Water is the last of the water companies in East Anglia to introduce a ban and it is the first time since June 1997 that the company has had to put restrictions in place.
July has seen little to no rainfall across East Anglia, with four successive heatwaves and the Environment Agency is starting to see more impacts on the environment. Soils are extremely dry affecting groundwater sources, river flows are low and forecasts are for the hot and dry conditions to continue into August.
The weather has led to an increased demand for water - customers are using an average of an extra 29 million litres of water per day. It has also impacted reservoir levels, with Hanningfield and Abberton sitting at a combined average of 69 per cent, which is below average for this time of year.
Kieran Ingram, Water Director, said:
“The Environment Agency has placed the region into drought because of the prolonged lack of rainfall, low river flows and dry soils, all of which are putting increasing pressure on the environment across East Anglia.
“This isn't a decision we've taken lightly, but it's the right thing to do. By reducing non-essential water use, we're helping to protect our precious rivers and wildlife while also safeguarding water supplies, so they remain available for everyone as the hot, dry weather continues."
Daniel Johns, Managing Director of Water Resources East commented:
"The Environment Agency has now declared drought status across East Anglia due to exceptionally hot and dry conditions impacting rivers, farming and wildlife across the region. Weather forecasts suggest there is no respite yet in sight. Even if it does begin to rain again it will take some time for the environment to recover.
“Given the extreme situation, it is no surprise that Essex & Suffolk Water has introduced a temporary usage ban and they are right to do so.
“Hosepipes are now off limits across almost the entirety of Eastern of England. The ban is just one element of action being taken to protect water supplies - Essex & Suffolk Water already has the best leakage performance in the country but are increasing the number of teams finding and fixing leaks as soon as they can.
“All households and businesses must also do the right thing and try to minimise their water use to preserve stocks and protect nature."
Albion Water, the first NAV (New Appointment & Variation) to have been established in1999 and now under the ownership of SDS Water Group, has appointed Andy Holland as its new Director of Business Development.
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality.
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.