FOLLOWING the Environment Agency's announcement of drought across the East Anglian area, Essex & Suffolk Water is introducing a hosepipe ban (Temporary Use Ban), for customers across its entire supply area, which includes Basildon and Billericay.

The temporary restrictions will be implemented immediately and enforced from 00.01am on Monday, 3 August.

A statement from the compnay says: "This follows months of prolonged dry weather; 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 from customers as they try to stay cool and hydrated. 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."

While the ban is not officially in place until Monday (3 August), the company is asking customers to start putting it into effect now. This means customers should not use hosepipes for watering their gardens, washing cars, patios and boats or filling swimming and paddling pools. Sprinklers and pressure washers are also prohibited under the ban.

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.

"At times like this, it's important that we all play our part. We want to thank the many customers who have already voluntarily stopped using their hosepipes, and we're now asking everyone else to join them by following these temporary restrictions.

"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 said: "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."

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.

This is due in part to the £150 million investment in the expansion of Abberton Reservoir, a project which completed in 2015 and increased water storage for Essex by 15 billion litres.

Over recent months, operational teams have worked 24/7 to optimise water production and supply, moving water around the network to the places in greatest need, and they have fixed leaks as quickly as possible.

Mr Ingram added: "Our teams have been working hard and continue to do everything possible to preserve and protect our water supplies, including fixing leaks. Now we all need to play our part, put down the hosepipes and use water wisely."

Under the terms of the ban, there will be a small number of exceptions to protect jobs, livelihoods and those who are most vulnerable. Customers can still water their gardens and grow their own fruit and vegetables if they use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler.

A Temporary Use Ban can only be applied to domestic customers, however we are working closely with retailers of our business customers to ensure they have the information and support required to reduce their water use wherever possible.

Customers can find out more about the ban, exemptions and look at our frequently asked questions on our webpage: Temporary Use Ban