United Utilities has confirmed that there are no plans for a hosepipe ban in north west England, as reservoir levels in the region remain above average for this time of year. The announcement comes as multiple water suppliers across England impose restrictions amid a prolonged heatwave.
Anglian Water Enforces Ban for Over Five Million Customers
On Friday morning, Anglian Water announced a hosepipe ban affecting more than five million customers in the East of England. From 1am on Saturday, customers are prohibited from using hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, or fill swimming and paddling pools. The utility has urged people to “live within the spirit of these restrictions immediately.”
Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning for Anglian Water, said: “This year has been exceptionally hot and dry, and we’re already into the third heatwave of the summer. Every day of sustained hot weather increases the challenge of balancing supply and demand, and we are now at the point where we need to ask customers to help by hanging up the hosepipe, letting lawns go brown, cars go dirty and using water even more wisely to help protect the environment and ensure water remains available for all customers.”
Cambridge Water and South East Water Follow Suit
Cambridge Water also introduced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, marking the first such restriction in three decades. The company stated that local water resources “are now under significant pressure” due to record demand and low rainfall, with teams working around the clock to maintain supplies.
South East Water implemented a ban on July 3 for areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden, and Tunbridge Wells. Additionally, Southern Water is set to enforce restrictions for about one million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight starting Friday.
United Utilities: No Restrictions in North West
In contrast, United Utilities, which supplies water across Greater Manchester and north west England, has assured customers that no restrictions are planned. A United Utilities spokesperson told the M.E.N.: “There are no plans for any restrictions in the North West and our reservoir levels are above average for this time of year.”
The spokesperson added: “Whatever the weather though, we always encourage our customers to use water wisely.” The company advises customers to adopt water-saving measures such as taking shorter showers, applying for a water meter, and checking for leaks around the home. Tips are available on the United Utilities website.
Impact of the Heatwave on Water Resources
The UK heatwave has placed significant strain on water supplies across the country, with several suppliers forced to implement temporary bans to balance supply and demand. While the north west currently faces no such restrictions, the situation remains dynamic as hot weather continues.
