Anglian Water has introduced its first hosepipe ban in a decade due to “unrelenting” hot and dry conditions across the East of England.
The restrictions officially begin at 01:00 BST on Saturday, but customers are being asked to limit their water use immediately to “help protect water supplies”.
On Thursday, Cambridge Water also announced its first hosepipe ban for 30 years as the UK entered its third heatwave of 2026.
Anglian Water said it had been “a very difficult decision” to bring in the temporary ban, but that it was necessary to protect customer supplies as well as “our region’s precious environment”.
Officially called a “temporary use ban” – meaning it only applies to domestic use of hosepipes for actions like filling paddling pools and hot tubs, washing cars and windows, and watering the garden.
Anglian Water said people could still water fruit, vegetables and gardens using a watering can.
The company also urged non-domestic customers to “use water wisely” by not washing commercial vehicles.
