Weeks after hosepipe bans were introduced in other parts of England, a ban has now been introduced for Brightlingsea.
Affinity Water has introduced the water-saving measure across the Tendring peninsula as the prolonged spell of dry weather over the summer has “rapidly reduced the natural underground water stores” that supply the company’s East region.
Around a third of the region’s water comes from Ardleigh reservoir, which the company says has been “impacted”, with the hot weather “driving demand for water well above what we’d normally expect”. Water use in the company’s central region has been restricted since July.
“By not using your hosepipe, you’re helping protect the environment and support people with urgent water needs in your community,” says Affinity. “Small changes at home, like turning off the tap or using eco settings on appliances, all add up.”
While the ban is in place, householders cannot us a hosepipe for:
- Watering gardens
- Washing cars
- Cleaning windows and patios
- Filling swimming and paddling pools
- Using jet washers
Affinity says that the ban will only be kept in place for “as long as necessary” and will be lifted “as soon as we’re confident supply can continue to meet demand for all our customers both now and in the coming months”.
To compound the lack of rain, the company says that more leaks have been reported because the dry ground is leading to pipes shifting and cracking. “This is an effect that can continue for months, even after it starts to rain again, as it takes time for ground conditions to recover,” it says.
Some private and business users are exempt from the ban and details can be found on Affinity’s website. The company has set up a webpage where breaches of the ban can be reported.
