Amid the scorching heatwave in the UK, approximately 350,000 residents are facing a hosepipe ban. Cambridge Water has announced the ban, the first in the area in three decades, effective immediately and enforceable by law from 1am BST on July 17. This decision was prompted by soaring temperatures, a 30% surge in water consumption, and below-average rainfall.
Due to the prolonged hot weather, water demand has exceeded the company’s capacity to supply, leading to this unprecedented measure. Elena Karpathakis, the managing director at Cambridge Water, emphasized the necessity of the ban, highlighting the record water usage levels and the strain on water resources.
Cambridgeshire has experienced a shortfall in rainfall since March, with April being notably dry. The recent heatwaves have pushed temperatures to record highs, with Wisley, Surrey, hitting 35.5C. The Met Office reported that this marked the eighth day this year with temperatures surpassing 34C, setting a new annual record.
Cambridge Water stressed the importance of conserving water resources, especially the region’s vital chalk streams, by implementing restrictions on hosepipe usage. Customers are required to refrain from non-essential activities like watering gardens, filling pools, and washing cars using hosepipes.
Following suit, South East Water and Southern Water have also introduced hosepipe bans in various regions to combat the strain on water reserves. These measures aim to safeguard water sources and mitigate the impact of the ongoing heatwave on the environment.