Affinity Water hosepipe ban after demand rises

Affinity Water is introducing a hosepipe ban after it said demand for water rose by 20% in recent weeks.

The restrictions will apply from 00:01 BST on 17 July across most of Hertfordshire, and parts of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Surrey. It also has customers affected in north and west London.

These residents cannot use a hosepipe for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars and filling paddling pools.

Businesses can continue using a hosepipe if it is necessary for commercial activities.

The ban affects south Buckinghamshire and customers in Luton and Dunstable in Bedfordshire. The company has customers in west Essex which includes Saffron Walden, Harlow and Epping.

Affinity Water customers in parts of Essex such as Clacton and Manningtree - and those in Kent including Dover and Folkestone - are not affected.

A separate ban for Anglian Water customers is due to come into force this Saturday.

The company said groundwater levels had been falling following a dry, warm spring, despite heavy rainfall during autumn and winter.

Affinity Water said it would contact customers seen using hosepipes to remind them of the restrictions.

People who fail to comply, which is a criminal offence under the Water Industry Act 1991, could be fined up to £1,000 in the magistrates' courts.

The firm said it would be investing in new pipelines to reduce bursts and keep more water in the ground.

A spokesperson said: "By not using your hosepipe, you're helping protect the environment and support people with urgent water needs in your community."

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