Essex & Suffolk Water reports 7% drop in usage amid hosepipe ban

Essex & Suffolk Water has reported a seven per cent drop in water usage following the implementation of a Temporary Use Ban on August 3. The ban was introduced to manage ongoing drought conditions by limiting non-essential water use.

Despite recent rainfall, reservoir levels in Essex remain low, sitting at approximately 46 per cent capacity. Kieran Ingram, water director at Essex & Suffolk Water, noted that while rainfall has been welcome, the region is not yet out of drought conditions. He emphasized that saving water now is essential to protect supplies for future years and to mitigate long-term environmental impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.

The Environment Agency has indicated that England would require approximately 120 per cent of typical rainfall over the next seven months, through April 2027, for all areas to officially exit drought conditions.