This is why we haven't got a hosepipe ban in Norfolk despite drought-like conditions
Further hosepipe bans come into force in parts of the southeast of England from today, Friday, in an effort to save water amidst drought-like conditions.
East Anglia has seen one of the driest and hottest periods on record, The Met Office said early data recorded at Cambridge University Botanic Garden showed it had received just 223mm of rain in the nine months since November 2021, about half of what would be expected in the period.
So why has Anglian Water not followed the lead of four other water companies and imposed a temporary-use bans (TUB) – better known as hosepipe bans – to discourage excessive use of water?
As the impact of climate change becomes ever clearer, and more field fires break out, temperatures have soared again into the 30s, prompting the Met Office to issue a four-day amber warning for “extreme heat”, in place until Sunday.
The National Drought Group – comprising government and agency officials, water companies and groups such as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) – are meeting today to discuss the prolonged dry weather and it is thought that parts of the south and east could officially be declared to be in drought. This could prompt further action from the Environment Agency and water companies.
Anglian Water, which supplies much of the region, is also still reviewing water levels.
A spokesperson said: “The last eight months have been the driest since 1976. East Anglia received just one fifth of the rain we’d expect in July.
“We operate in the driest region in the country, so conserving water and protecting against drought is what we do every day. Currently our reservoir levels are stable, at around 80 per cent full. Our underground aquifers are in reasonable shape too, at around average or just below average for the time of year.
“We have no hosepipe bans currently in place across our region, and we’re working hard to keep it that way. But we’re watching river levels very closely right now, as things can change quickly and the forecast for this month remains dry and warm.
“Protecting the environment is as important to us as conserving our customers’ water supply.
“It’s why we invest millions every year fixing leaks and planning for a drier future, because we know there’s going to be more people here, but fewer raindrops to go round.
“It’s also why we’re urging people to step up and save water now to make sure we have enough for us and the environment today, tomorrow, next month and next summer. If this coming winter is as dry as last year, we will be in a much more serious position come spring.”
The Wildlife Trusts has called for an England-wide hosepipe ban to protect nature and rivers.
And Cam Valley Forum, a voluntary group, is aghast that the region’s water companies have so far failed to introduce them here.
“It is imprudent and silly to do otherwise,” said chairman Stephen Tomkins. “All my washing up water and bathwater is going onto the garden. It is high time to conserve water for environmental reasons.”
The group is also urging political leaders, water companies and the Environment Agency to ensure that the tens of thousands of new homes being built in the region are not reliant on groundwater supplies, which lowers the water table and impacts our internationally-important chalk streams.
New reservoirs and a pipeline bringing water from further north are planned by Anglian Water, but remain years away. In the meantime Anglian Water have said they have reduced the amount being abstracted in line with Environment Agency regulations.
Anglian Water this week emailed all customers with tips on how they can help conserve water, these included turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, cutting showers to just 5 minutes and ensuring your washing machine or dishwasher is completely full before putting in on, instead of washing half-loads.
