Anglian Water, which serves a large part of the East of England, has seen a significant 30% increase in water demand during the recent heatwave. The company, which covers areas including Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, and parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, reported that typical daily usage of 1.1 billion litres has surged to 1.4 billion litres.
This increase, driven by the hot weather, is putting pressure on the water supply, with the company urging both residential and business customers to use less water to prevent shortages. While reservoirs are nearly 90% full, Anglian Water warns that excessive demand could lead to reduced water pressure in some areas. The company is proactively addressing the situation with a team of engineers ensuring infrastructure is prepared for the ongoing heat.
The company also recommended practical ways for customers to reduce water consumption, such as using rainwater for gardens and avoiding excessive use of hoses. While the company acknowledged the appeal of paddling pools, it advised customers to cover them overnight to conserve water for reuse. Despite the increased demand, Anglian Water has confirmed it will not impose a hosepipe ban at this time.