Water resources

Latest water resource situation

There is a Temporary Usage Ban (hosepipe ban) also knonw as a hosepipe ban across our supply area.

It comes after months of prolonged dry weather. July has seen little to no rainfall across East Anglia, with four successive heatwaves and the Environment Agency is starting to see more impact on the environment. Soils are extremely dry, affecting groundwater sources, river flows are low, and forecasts are for the hot and dry conditions to continue into August.    

The weather has led to an increased demand for water from customers as they try to stay cool and hydrated. Customers are using an average of an extra 29 million litres of water per day, that’s the equivalent of adding an extra Chelmsford onto our existing supply area. It has also impacted reservoir levels, with Hanningfield and Abberton sitting at a combined average of 69%, which is below average for this time of year.

Introducing a hosepipe ban will help make sure we have enough water to continue supplying our customers and protect the environment if dry weather continues through the autumn and winter.

Current reservoir stocks - 18 August 2026

The table below presents our current reservoir stocks and if they are above, below or at average levels for the time of year. These are updated each month.  

We collect and store water in our reservoirs to meet demand throughout the year. Reservoir storage is drawn down in the summer when demand is higher and rainfall lower, and then they refill over the winter, when demand is lower and rainfall is higher.

If you would like detailed information on recent rainfall, current river flows, and river and groundwater levels, these can be found on the Environment Agency website here: EA website (opens new window), or to see the Regional Hydrological outlook, including rainfall, river flows and groundwater levels please refer to hydoutuk.net/latest-outlook (opens new window).

Drought Plan

Our Drought Plans identify what we will do before, during and after a drought to make sure we're are able to provide you with a resilient water supply. They identify what measures are available to reduce demand and support supplies and the triggers that will be used to identify when actions are required. The Plans also outline how we will communicate with our customers during a drought.

Read our Drought Plan (opens in a new window).