Affinity Water imposes hosepipe ban across Essex and Ruislip areas

Affinity Water has announced a hosepipe ban that will take effect at 00:01 on Friday 17 July. The ban covers the company’s Central region, including customers in Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and parts of London such as Ruislip and Ruislip Manor. It follows the warmest June on record in England, with temperatures reaching 37.7 °C, and a 20 % rise in water demand while supplies – notably from Grafham Water reservoir – are reduced.

Under the temporary use ban residents must not use a hosepipe for garden watering, car washing, pool filling, cleaning outdoor surfaces and similar activities. Exemptions apply for Blue‑Badge holders, customers on the Priority Services Register and a few other specific cases. Breaches can lead to fines of up to £1,000. The restrictions will stay in place until water levels recover and demand returns to sustainable levels.