HOSEPIPE BAN IN ESSEX

The restrictions and Blue Badge / disability exemptions

What is happening?

Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans) are currently in force across the Anglian Water region and the Essex & Suffolk Water supply area. They have been introduced after prolonged dry weather, low river levels and very high demand for water. The aim is to reduce non-essential mains-water use and protect public supplies, rivers, wildlife and the wider environment.

Essex & Suffolk Water – Blue Badge holders

Essex & Suffolk Water’s current statutory notice gives a discretionary exemption to Blue Badge holders on the grounds of disability for several restricted activities, including watering a garden and watering plants with a hosepipe. It also gives a concession to customers who have mobility issues but do not hold a Blue Badge. This is particularly important for people who cannot reasonably carry or repeatedly refill a watering can.

Anglian Water – an important difference

Anglian Water does not treat possession of a Blue Badge alone as an automatic exemption. Its current guidance says an exception may apply where a person is physically unable to safely use a watering can or bucket because of a health condition, disability or additional support need. Anglian Water’s published restrictions also identify qualifying Priority Services customers who cannot make reasonable adjustments because of health or disability.

Do I need to apply?

For Anglian Water, the current customer FAQs say that if a statutory exception applies, you do not need to apply for the exception or notify the company. However, Anglian Water encourages eligible customers to join its Priority Services Register, and its formal statutory notice says customers who need the health/disability concession and are not already on the register should contact Anglian Water to be added. If you are unsure, registering for Priority Services is the safest course.

What is normally banned?

Unless an exception applies, the restrictions cover using a mains-fed hosepipe, sprinkler or pressure washer for activities such as watering gardens and plants, washing private vehicles, cleaning patios, paths, walls or windows, filling paddling pools or hot tubs, and filling or topping up ornamental water features or ponds.

Current dates: Anglian Water restrictions have been enforceable since 11 July 2026. Essex & Suffolk Water’s current Temporary Use Ban took effect in August 2026 and remains subject to the supplier’s current notices.

Keeping the garden alive while using less water

What can I use in the garden?

You can still use a watering can or bucket, collect and use water from a water butt, use stored rainwater and reuse suitable household water where it is safe for plants. Anglian Water also allows a hosepipe connected to a water butt or other recycled-water storage system rather than the mains. Certain compliant drip or trickle irrigation systems are also excepted.

Save rainwater

Fit a water butt to a downpipe if possible and keep spare containers ready for rainfall. Even a short shower can provide useful water for pots, hanging baskets, vegetables and newly planted shrubs. Cover open containers where appropriate and use stored water before returning to mains water.

Reuse water safely

Water left in drinking glasses or from rinsing fruit and vegetables can be used on plants. Suitable bath or washing-up water can sometimes be reused, but avoid water containing bleach, disinfectants, strong cleaning products or high levels of salt. Do not store household grey water for long periods.

Water where it matters

Water early in the morning or later in the evening so less is lost through evaporation. Aim water at the soil and roots rather than leaves. Prioritise containers, vegetables, fruit, new plants and recently planted trees or shrubs. Established lawns may turn brown in dry weather but usually recover when rain returns.

Make the soil hold water longer

Add a layer of mulch such as compost, bark or leaf mould around plants. Mulch slows evaporation, keeps roots cooler and reduces the need for frequent watering. Water thoroughly but less often to encourage deeper roots.

Why watering cans help

Anglian Water says an average hosepipe uses at least 15–17 litres of water per minute. Ten minutes of hosepipe use can therefore use more water than the roughly 120 litres used by an average Anglian Water customer in a whole day. A watering can makes it easier to target only the plants that need water.

Use exemptions responsibly

An exemption exists so that disability, illness or reduced mobility does not unfairly prevent someone from carrying out necessary tasks. Even when hosepipe use is permitted, using the minimum amount of water needed helps protect supplies for everyone.

Watering Can

Water Butt

garden watering hose

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