Much of the UK is under a temporary ban until conditions alleviate

Hosepipe bans have come into force today as the UK recorded its sixth day of 2026 where temperatures reached or exceeded 35C, breaking the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and in 2020.

The enforcement comes as the latest July heatwave is thought to increase the likelihood of drought conditions in parts of England.

Anglian Water announced restrictions for more than five million customers in the East of England yesterday, banning the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars or filling swimming and paddling pools from 1am this morning.

Dr Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning for Anglian Water, said: "This year has been exceptionally hot and dry, and we're already into the third heatwave of the summer.

"Every day of sustained hot weather increases the challenge of balancing supply and demand."

The water company rep added that "we are now at the point where we need to ask customers to help by hanging up the hosepipe, letting lawns go brown, cars go dirty and using water even more wisely to help protect the environment and ensure water remains available for all customers".

Dr Darch said that implementing a temporary use ban for customers has been a "very difficult decision", and was not taken lightly.

He insisted that protecting supplies to customers and protecting the region’s environment "means doing everything we can to limit our non-essential water use as much as possible."

Officials have warned of the increased risk of drought conditions in some parts of the country, including East Anglia, Devon and Cornwall, as water companies try to manage increasing pressure.

It comes as the Environment Agency reported "notably low or exceptionally low" river flows, and reservoirs are below typical levels for this time of year.

Meanhwhile, hosepipe bans are also set to effect around one million Southern Water customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this weekend.

Affinity Water are also set to implement a ban across its central region, affecting thousands across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and parts of London.

The company said that demand for water in that area is up 20 per cent on average, with the water company receiving less water than usual from Grafham Water reservoir, which would usually provide around 10 per cent of the region's supply.

Affinity Water said the ban will remain in place until water resources recover, and demand returns to a sustainable level.

Cambridge Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers for the first time in three decades this week, with demand reaching record levels after low levels of rainfall.

On July 3, South East Water introduced a ban for areas of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tenterden and Tunbridge Wells, which remains in place due to ongoing conditions.

Typically restrictions apply only to domestic customers, but companies have also asked businesses to use water responsibly, such as avoiding commercial vehicle washing where possible.

Anglian Water said teams are working around the clock to maximise water production, move supplies to areas of greatest need, and fix leaks as quickly as possible.