Immediate hosepipe ban announced in East London after ‘flash drought’

Londoners covered by Essex and Suffolk Water are the latest to be hit by a hosepipe ban

Almost all of London is now covered by hosepipe bans, with Essex and Suffolk Water announcing an immediate ban for East London. The latest ban affects parts of East London, including Romford, Barking, Dagenham, Hornchurch, and Upminster, as well as parts of Essex, such as Chelmsford, Basildon, Southend, Brentwood, Epping and Harlow.

Other parts of London have already been hit by hosepipe bans, with Thames Water covering most of the city and Affinity Water in West London bringing in restrictions last week.

Essex and Suffolk Water said the ban will be a temporary measure that takes effect immediately, but will only be formally enforced from Monday morning (August 3). The move comes following a ‘flash drought’ that has raised concerns about water reserves in the South East of England.

Residents have been told to stop using hosepipes for garden watering, car washing, cleaning patios and boats, or filling swimming and paddling pools. Sprinklers and pressure washers are likewise prohibited under the restrictions, reports Essex Live.

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, 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 and 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 East of England. The ban is just one element of action being taken to protect water supplies – Essex and 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.”