Here’s what could happen if you’re caught breaching Peterborough’s hosepipe ban - including a fine of £1,000

Peterborough’s first hosepipe ban in more than 14 years will come into force in just a few hours time after Anglian Water said that East Anglia’s warmest spring on record has put strain on resources.

The ban will come into force at 1am tomorrow morning (Saturday, July 11), although Anglian Water is asking customers to live within the spirit of the restrictions immediately.

This means that customers should not use hosepipes for watering their gardens, washing cars, patios and boats or filling swimming and paddling pools.

This decision to introduce the ban follows months of prolonged dry weather, warm temperatures and three successive heatwaves.

Peterborough last experienced a hosepipe ban in 2012 after parts of the East officially entered drought.

Stretching from Essex to Lincolnshire, the ban will impact more than 5 million people.

Dr Geoff Darch, Head of Strategic Asset Planning for Anglian Water, said: “This year has been exceptionally hot and dry and we're already into the third heatwave of the summer.

“Understandably customers have wanted to stay cool and have fun in the sun, and our teams are working 24/7 to keep taps flowing across the region, but the unrelenting conditions are placing the environment and water supplies under increasing strain.

“Every day of sustained hot weather increases the challenge of balancing supply and demand, and we are now at the point where we need to ask customers to help by hanging up the hosepipe, letting lawns go brown, cars go dirty and using water even more wisely to help protect the environment and ensure water remains available for all customers.”

What could happen to those who breach the hosepipe ban?

Under the Water Industry Act 1991, anyone breaching the Temporary Use Ban is committing a criminal offence.

While water companies generally view prosecution as a last resort, those breaching the ban could be fined up to £1,000.

Customers can report a suspected breach of the restrictions using Anglian Water’s online form or by contacting the customer service team.

Prosecution will generally take place when multiple reminders have been ignored, there is evidence of repeated breaches or misleading information has been provided.

Under the terms of the ban, there will be a small number of exceptions to protect jobs, livelihoods and those who are most vulnerable.

Customers can still water their gardens and grow their own fruit and vegetables if they use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler.