Anglian Water has enacted its first hosepipe ban in 10 years, imposing restrictions on water usage due to persistently hot and dry weather conditions across the East of England. The ban officially began at 1:00 AM BST on Saturday.
Customers are being asked to limit their water consumption immediately to help preserve existing supplies. Cambridge Water also announced its first hosepipe ban in three decades on Thursday, as the United Kingdom experienced its third heatwave of 2026.
Anglian Water described the decision to implement the "temporary use ban" as difficult but necessary to safeguard customer supplies and the region's environment. The restrictions apply to domestic uses such as filling paddling pools and hot tubs, washing vehicles and windows, and watering gardens. However, individuals are still permitted to use watering cans for fruit, vegetables, and gardens. Non-domestic customers have also been urged to conserve water by refraining from washing commercial vehicles.