Essex and Suffolk Water businesses reduce usage amid hosepipe ban

Businesses in Essex and Suffolk have reduced their water consumption by more than 15 per cent following the implementation of a Temporary Use Ban on August 3. This marks the first hosepipe ban issued by Essex and Suffolk Water since 1997.

The restrictions, which affect south Essex, parts of mid Essex, and Suffolk, prohibit the use of hosepipes, pressure washers, and irrigation systems for non-commercial purposes, including watering gardens and cleaning vehicles. The ban was prompted by prolonged dry weather and heatwaves across East Anglia that left soils dry and river flows low.

In addition to the Essex and Suffolk region, other UK water companies, including Wessex Water and Thames Water, have also announced bans as half of the country's water companies have now implemented similar restrictions.