The sprawling grounds of television personalities Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan's Essex home are maintaining a vibrant green appearance, despite a hosepipe ban implemented in early August due to prolonged dry weather and dwindling water reserves. This situation has prompted attention as large parts of England, including Essex, have been officially declared to be in a state of drought by the Environment Agency.
The drought declaration followed a period of exceptionally dry conditions, leading to low river flows, depleted groundwater levels, and persistent hot weather. As a consequence, water suppliers like Essen and Suffolk Water have introduced temporary bans. These restrictions generally prohibit the use of hosepipes, sprinklers, pressure washers, and automatic irrigation systems for tasks such as watering gardens, washing vehicles, or filling swimming pools.
Aerial photographs showcase the land surrounding the couple's five-bedroom property, which they renovated after purchasing it for £1.3 million in 2019. The estate features landscaped grounds and an outdoor swimming pool. While there is no direct evidence that Wright and Keegan have contravened the ban, potential workarounds like using watering cans or specific exemptions could explain the continued lushness of their lawn.
Essex and Suffolk Water reported that the combined water levels in the Hanningfield and Abberton reservoirs were approximately 69 percent, which is below the typical level for this time of year, while demand has significantly increased during the heatwave.
This situation is not unique to the celebrity couple. Other high-profile individuals and locations have also been noted for maintaining green spaces amidst the dry conditions. Sir Rod Stewart's estate, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi's property, and Soho Farmhouse have also been highlighted for their contrasting greenery against the parched landscape. Keegan is currently engaged in filming for Harlan Coben's Netflix drama, 'The Woods', portraying the character Lucy Silverfield. The series follows her previous success in the 2024 Netflix show 'Fool Me Once'.