Amid the UK’s third heatwave this year, approximately 350,000 residents are facing a hosepipe ban imposed by Cambridge Water. The ban, the first in the region in three decades, will be enforced from 1am BST on July 17 due to soaring temperatures, a 30% surge in water consumption, and inadequate rainfall.
Cambridge Water highlighted the necessity of the ban citing the relentless demand for water surpassing their capacity to extract, treat, and distribute water. Elena Karpathakis, the company’s managing director, emphasized the unprecedented water usage levels and urged public cooperation.
The ongoing heatwave, coupled with below-average rainfall since March, has strained water resources in Cambridgeshire. With temperatures reaching 35.5C in Wisley, Surrey, the Met Office reported a new record of eight days this year exceeding 34C. Cambridge Water has expedited drawing from underground reserves to safeguard local water sources and chalk streams.
Residents are required to refrain from non-essential activities like watering gardens, filling pools, and washing cars with hosepipes. South East Water and Southern Water have also enforced similar restrictions in various regions. The need for conservation measures underscores the critical importance of responsible water usage during the current weather conditions.
