Cambridge Water has announced its first hosepipe ban in three decades, affecting 350,000 customers across Cambridgeshire, as the Met Office warns temperatures could widely exceed 30C and reach as high as 36C in parts of England this month.
Cambridge Water has confirmed a temporary hosepipe ban will come into force for its 350,000 customers later this month, marking the first time in 30 years the company has introduced such restrictions. The move comes as the Met Office warns temperatures will “widely exceed 30C” across the UK, with some areas of England potentially reaching 36C. The exact start date of the ban will be communicated directly to affected customers.
Who Is Affected and What’s Restricted
The restrictions will apply to all domestic customers supplied by Cambridge Water across Cambridge, Cambridgeshire and parts of South Cambridgeshire. Prohibited activities are expected to include watering gardens with a hosepipe, washing private cars, cleaning patios and driveways, filling paddling pools, and topping up ornamental ponds using a hosepipe. Customers will still be permitted to use watering cans, buckets and stored rainwater, since the ban applies specifically to hosepipe use rather than water use more broadly.
Cambridge Water has urged residents to limit their water use to “essential purposes at this time” as the restrictions take effect.
Why the Ban Has Been Introduced
The company said demand has reached record levels during the recent hot weather, placing significant strain on its groundwater-based supply network. Cambridge Water said it will continue to monitor water resources throughout the summer and will lift the restrictions once conditions improve and demand eases.
Penalties for Breaching the Ban
Customers found to be in breach of the hosepipe ban could face fines of up to £1,000, though the company has said exemptions will apply in certain circumstances, including some medical and accessibility needs.
