Essex and Suffolk Water business water use update after ban

Essex and Suffolk Water has praised businesses in its supply area for the reduction after the Temporary Use Ban was introduced on August 3.

The ban is the company's first since 1997, and covers south Essex, parts of mid Essex and Suffolk.

The restrictions do not apply for businesses, however the water firm has been working with business customers through its retailer partners to help them reduce water usage where possible.

The ban followed months of dry weather, with July bringing little or no rainfall across East Anglia.

Ban - Essex and Suffolk Water's supply area in our county (Image: Essex and Suffolk Water)

Five successive heatwaves had occurred by mid-August, while soils remained extremely dry and river flows low.

The conditions have also affected groundwater sources.

A Temporary Use Ban restricts hosepipes and attachments including pressure washers, sprinklers and irrigation systems.

People must not use a hosepipe to water gardens, plants at homes or other non-commercial premises.

The ban also covers cleaning private motor vehicles, trailers, leisure boats, walls, windows, paths, patios and other artificial outdoor surfaces.

It prohibits filling or maintaining domestic swimming or paddling pools, hot tubs, ponds and ornamental fountains.

In an update, an Essex and Suffolk Water spokesman said: "A big thank you to the businesses across Essex and Suffolk that are helping to reduce water use.

The ban is Essex and Suffolk Water's first since 1997 (Image: Essex & Suffolk Water)

"Since the introduction of the temporary use ban on the 3 August, we've been working closely with businesses and their water retailers to provide water efficiency reviews, guidance and support on leaks, and opening our grant scheme to help to replace older, less efficient fittings and equipment.

"We have already seen a fantastic reduction of over 15 per cent in non-household water demand, and we're continuing to support businesses to reduce this even more to help protect local water supplies while dry weather continues.

"Simple checks and changes such as repairing leaking taps and equipment, turning off non-essential water-using equipment overnight, and installing water-efficient fittings can make a huge difference, and whilst our reservoir levels continue to be below average, we all need to use water more wisely to protect supplies."

Blue Badge holders and people with mobility issues who cannot use a watering can are exempt.

No application or contact with Essex and Suffolk Water is needed where an exception applies.

Anyone who breaches the ban may face a fine of up to £1,000 after summary conviction.