Water use drops 7% after Temporary Use Ban introduced

The reduction comes after Essex & Suffolk Water put a Temporary Use Ban in place on August 3, asking customers to limit non-essential water use due to ongoing drought conditions.

The company has thanked customers for their efforts and is urging them to continue saving water.

Kieran Ingram, water director at Essex & Suffolk Water, said: "We're incredibly grateful to our customers for the efforts they've already made to save water.

"The seven per cent reduction in demand we've seen since the Temporary Use Ban was introduced shows what can be achieved when we all work together.

"However, while recent rainfall has been welcome, we're not out of drought conditions yet.

Hanningfield Reservoir (Image: Essex and Suffolk Water)

"The reality is that every drop saved today will help protect water supplies for next year and beyond.

"The environmental impacts of drought don't disappear overnight.

"While many people will have seen the effects of the dry weather over the summer, the impact on wildlife, rivers, and ecosystems can continue for years.

"That's why we're asking customers to keep thinking carefully about how they use water.

"Small actions, such as taking shorter showers, fixing dripping taps, and only using the water you need, can make a real difference."

Despite September's rainfall, reservoir levels across Essex remain low at just 46 per cent capacity.

The Environment Agency has warned that England would need around 120% of typical rainfall over the next seven months, through to April 2027, for all areas to officially move out of drought conditions.

Essex & Suffolk Water has encouraged customers to continue water-saving habits both at home and in the garden.

Tips include turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, fixing leaky loos and dripping taps, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, using eco mode and reusing water for plants and gardens, such as water collected when washing fruit and vegetables.

The company has taken additional steps to protect water supplies, including deploying extra teams focused on finding and repairing leaks quickly.

So far in 2026, these teams have repaired 5,749 leaks.

Essex & Suffolk Water is also working with business customers and retailers to reduce water use in the non-household sector and improve efficiency.

"By continuing to save water now, customers can help protect local water resources, support the environment and build resilience for future dry periods."

Warm weather is expected to return in the coming week, which could put further strain on already limited water resources.

The water company reminded customers that sustained action is critical to protecting supplies for the months ahead.

Hanningfield Reservoir (Image: Essex and Suffolk Water)

The Environment Agency recently reported that almost three-quarters of England remains in drought.

Essex & Suffolk Water has said that customer efforts will play a vital role in helping the region recover and ensure there is enough water for everyone.

The company continues to monitor conditions closely and will update customers as the situation evolves.

Customers are encouraged to stay informed through the company’s website and social media channels for the latest updates and water-saving advice.