Dry weather update

Water's Worth Saving

 

There is currently no Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) in place for Essex & Suffolk Water customers.

 

However, Suffolk has experienced an exceptionally dry few months, with three heatwaves, temperatures reaching 31°C and very little rainfall since the start of July. This hot, dry weather has put extra pressure on water supplies, with demand increasing by around seven million litres every day across Suffolk – enough to supply a town the size of Lowestoft.

 

While we're not introducing a Temporary Use Ban at this time, we're keeping a close eye on water resources and doing everything we can to protect local supplies, including tackling leaks and bursts as quickly as possible.

How you can help

Using water wisely at home can make a big difference. Simple changes can help protect water supplies for our communities and the environment, especially during periods of hot, dry weather.

 

You can help by:

  • Taking shorter showers.
  • Using a watering can or a bucket instead of a hose.
  • Only running your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.
  • Fix dripping taps.
  • Check your toilets for leaks. We fix leaking toilets for free. You can report it here.

Use our water and energy calculator to see where you can save water, and follow our water saving tips for more ideas.

What we're doing

Essex & Suffolk Water has one of the lowest leakage rates in the industry, but hot, dry weather can make leaks and bursts more likely. As the ground dries out and shifts, pipes, joints and fittings can move and crack.

 

Our teams work hard to find and repair leaks as quickly as possible. If you spot a leak, please report a leak so we can investigate and fix it as quickly as possible.

 

We’re also closely monitoring our water resources, including reservoir levels, to make sure we continue to manage supplies carefully during this period of hot, dry weather. Most of the water we supply comes from our two main reservoirs, Hanningfield and Abberton, which are regularly monitored to help us plan ahead and protect supplies.

 

Find out more about our current reservoir levels.

Further information

Even without restrictions, water supplies are under pressure.

 

Essex and Suffolk are among the driest areas of the country, and hot, dry weather can lead to higher demand. Saving water helps protect supplies for homes, businesses and communities, while also leaving more water in the environment for rivers, reservoirs and wildlife.

Every water company faces different challenges, including varying levels of rainfall, reservoir storage, customer demand and available water resources.

 

As a result some my decide restrictions are necessary, others may not.

Most of the water supplied to Essex & Suffolk Water customers comes from two large reservoirs, Hanningfield and Abberton.

 

Reservoir levels are closely monitored and demand is carefully managed, particularly during long periods of dry weather.  

We're investing in our water network to help protect supplies for the future.

 

In 2015, we completed a £150 million expansion of Abberton Reservoir, helping to secure water supplies for Essex for more than 25 years.

 

Between 2025 and 2030, we're investing a further £1.5 billion to make our water and wastewater services more resilient.

Ways you can help

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