Most households across Luton are now subject to a hosepipe ban after Affinity Water introduced temporary restrictions following weeks of hot, dry weather.
The Temporary Use Ban came into force today (Friday) and affects customers across Bedfordshire. Affinity Water supplies the majority of homes in Luton, although some properties in the north of the town are supplied by Anglian Water, which has also announced a hosepipe ban.
Residents are being asked not to use hosepipes for non-essential purposes until further notice, including watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning patios with pressure washers and filling paddling pools.
Affinity Water said the restrictions had not been introduced lightly, but warned that water supplies were under “real pressure” after England recorded its warmest June on record, followed by continued hot and dry weather.
The company said demand for water across its network is currently around 20 per cent higher than normal.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has warned that only 39 per cent of the expected rainfall fell across the region during spring, leaving many rivers at below normal, notably low or exceptionally low levels. Water companies have also had to contend with three successive heatwaves this summer, placing further strain on supplies.
Customers are being urged to use water only for essential purposes, such as drinking, cooking and washing, to help protect supplies and the environment.
Blue Badge holders, customers on Affinity Water’s Priority Services Register and those on the WaterSure tariff are among those exempt from the restrictions.
An Affinity Water statement said: “We know this will be disruptive; it’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly. Our region is one of the most water-stressed in the UK.
“Last month was the warmest June on record for England, with temperatures reaching as high as 37.7C, and we’ve seen a continued pattern of hot, dry weather since.
“Demand for water is higher than we would expect, up to 20% on average, and supplies are under real pressure.
“Please only use water for essential purposes, such as drinking, cooking and washing. By reducing non-essential water use now, we can help protect water for everyone’s essential daily needs and our local environment.”
The company said it is continuing to repair leaks, invest in its network and monitor the situation every day, adding that the restrictions will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.
Customers who ignore the hosepipe ban could face a fine of up to £1,000.
A full list of restrictions, exemptions and frequently asked questions is available on the Affinity Water website.
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