Hosepipe ban across Milton Keynes and beyond as scorching weather continues
Anglian Water has enforced a temporary hosepipe ban on everyone across the region - including Milton Keynes - as water levels drop.
The restrictions started on Saturday, July 11, following weeks of hot, dry weather and record water usage. The water company says the new restrictions will help make sure there's enough water for homes, businesses and essential services, while protecting local rivers and the environment.
Water can still continue to be used as normal for essential everyday needs such as drinking, cooking, washing and hygiene.
The water company says it is currently treating and supplying around 30% more water than usual, but that water is being used faster than it can be replaced naturally in rivers, groundwater sources and reservoirs.
The temporary ban is designed to reduce non-essential water use and help protect water supplies.
What restrictions are in place?
During the temporary use ban, hosepipes must not be used for:
- Watering gardens
- Watering plants
- Washing cars
- Cleaning patios and driveways
- Cleaning walls and windows
- Filling paddling pools, swimming pools or hot tubs
- Filling ponds and ornamental fountains
- Cleaning private leisure boats
The restrictions also apply to sprinklers and pressure washers connected to the mains water supply.
Gardens can continue to be watered using a watering can, bucket, water from a water butt or a drip or trickle irrigation system if:
- it is fitted with a timer
- it is fitted with a pressure reducing valve
- it is not handheld
- it delivers water directly to the soil or plant roots
The East of England is the driest region in the UK and one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. River levels across much of the region are now below normal, with some suffering exceptionally low levels.
Reservoir storage levels are also lower than expected this time of year. Reducing non-essential water use now will help protect the environment and preserve water supplies if hot, dry weather continues this summer.
A small number of customers and activities are automatically exempt from the hosepipe restrictions. A full list of restrictions and exemptions can be found on the Anglian Water website. Hartpool is the only area covered by the water company that won’t be affected by the restriction.
Dr Geoff Darch, Head of Strategic Asset Planning for Anglian Water, said: “Implementing a Temporary Use Ban for our customers has been a very difficult decision to make and one which we have not taken lightly.
“But protecting supplies to our customers and protecting our region’s precious environment in the face of such unusually hot conditions and high demand means doing everything we can to limit our non-essential water use as much as possible. We are grateful for everyone’s support.”