Affinity Water hosepipe ban now in force across Bedfordshire after ‘exceptionally high demand for water’
The hosepipe ban has been brought forward by Affinity Water as demand continues to soar after the heatwave.
The ban had been due to come into effect from Friday, July 17, but the water company has now told customers not to use their hosepipes to water their gardens, wash windows, cars or patios, or fill paddling pools starting immediately.
Affinity Water has put this in place across its Central area – which covers parts of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and parts of London.
It comes after the warmest June on record for England, when temperatures reached 37.7 degrees in some areas.
Since then, the region has had more hot, dry weather and demand for water has risen by 20 per cent, putting a strain on resources.
The Environment Agency allows Affinity Water to take a certain amount of water each year from its sources, like rivers and reservoirs.
The company says that without action, it is at risk of losing its licence if it exceeds the limit, meaning more disruption for customers.
People registered on the Priority Services Register, those who get support through the WaterSure tariff and Blue Badge holders, are exempt and can use their water as usual.
Stephen Plumb, asset strategy and capital delivery director at Affinity Water, said: "We don't take a decision like this lightly, but with demand for water remaining at exceptionally high levels, we need to bring forward the Temporary Use Ban to help protect water supplies for our customers, especially those who are most vulnerable, for the communities we serve, and for the environment.
“We know a hosepipe ban is disruptive, and we apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. We would like to thank customers for their support so far this summer and for working with us to help protect our water supply.”