Essex hosepipe ban to stay despite recent rainfall and storms

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 18:48 · Archive

Essex and Suffolk Water says its hosepipe ban, introduced in August after dry weather, will remain in place despite recent rain because reservoir levels remain very low.

Essex and Suffolk Water introduced a temporary use ban in August after a prolonged dry period that left reservoir levels low and reduced river flows. The ban prohibits the use of hosepipes, pressure washers and sprinklers. Despite recent rainfall, particularly from Storm Austen, the company has signalled that the ban is unlikely to be lifted soon.

Handinfield Reservoir, a key supply source, currently stands at 44 per cent capacity. The company has released photographs comparing the reservoir's condition on 5 November this year with the same date last year. The images show a significantly lower shoreline and vegetation now growing across areas that would normally be underwater.

Essex and Suffolk Water said that prolonged dry weather has put pressure on water supplies and affected both groundwater sources and river flows. Only 30mm of rain fell across the region in September. The company stressed that recent rainfall, while welcome, cannot undo the impact of months of dry conditions.

A spokesperson for the water supplier said: 'A few rainy days won't undo months of dry weather. Our reservoirs remain very low, which is why we're asking everyone to keep using water carefully, even when it's raining.' The company is continuing to ask customers to use water sparingly as the region moves through autumn and into winter, when the impact of low reserves could affect supply.

How it is being reported

• Essex water supplier provide update on hosepipe ban following Storm AustenEssex and Suffolk Water says its hosepipe ban is unlikely to end soon, despite Storm Austen rain, as Hanningfield Reservoir remains at only 44% capacity.Echo (Basildon) · 6 Nov, 18:11
• Essex water supplier provide update on hosepipe ban following Storm AustenEssex and Suffolk Water says its hosepipe ban is unlikely to end soon, despite Storm Austen rain, as Hanningfield Reservoir remains at only 44% capacity.Colchester Gazette · 6 Nov, 18:11
• Essex water supplier provide update on hosepipe ban following Storm AustenEssex and Suffolk Water says its hosepipe ban is unlikely to end soon, despite Storm Austen rain, as Hanningfield Reservoir remains at only 44% capacity.Brentwood Guardian · 6 Nov, 18:11
• Hosepipe ban update as Essex's reservoirs remain 'very low'Essex and Suffolk Water has said that "a few rainy days won't undo months of dry weather"EssexLive · 6 Nov, 17:00

In this story: Essex and Suffolk Water · Hanningfield Reservoir · Essex

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