Anglian Water shares Peterborough hosepipe ban update after first weeks of September bring heavy rainfall

Anglian Water says that its hosepipe ban will only be lifted once its resources “have recovered back to normal levels” despite periods of heavy rainfall to start September.

The company, which serves 7 million customers, introduced a hosepipe ban for Peterborough and other large parts of East Anglian on July 11 after exceptionally hot and dry conditions saw resources running dry.

Just 0.1mm of rain fell in Peterborough during July, making it one of the city’s driest months on record.

According to Peterborough Weather Watch, the city has experienced 32.2mm of rainfall so far this month, but Anglian Water bosses have insisted that there are no plans to lift the hosepipe ban anytime soon.

An Anglian Water Spokesperson told the Peterborough Telegraph: “While any rain is welcome and will help, a few weeks of rainfall won't reverse the effects of many months of hot, dry weather.

“Our rivers, groundwater and reservoirs need sustained rainfall over a much longer period to recover (typically this happens in autumn and winter).

“Rain during hotter and drier periods also isn't as effective at bringing water levels back up, as the dry ground stops water from soaking in, meaning it takes longer to recharge sources such as groundwater.

“The Temporary Use Ban (or hosepipe ban) will be lifted once we are confident that sources have recovered back to normal levels, this ensures public water supply and the environment are protected.”

With restrictions still in place, Peterborough residents should still not use a hosepipe for things like washing cars or watering plants.