Water storage experts urge households and businesses to prepare as hosepipe restrictions begin across the East of England

Residents and businesses across the East of England are being urged to think more carefully about how they use water after Anglian Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban following weeks of exceptionally hot, dry weather.

The restrictions, which come into force at 1.01am on Saturday 11 July, affect customers across the company's region, with the exception of Hartlepool. Anglian Water says prolonged dry conditions, three successive heatwaves and record demand have left water being used faster than it can be naturally replenished.

It is the first time the company has introduced a Temporary Use Ban since 2012.

Under the restrictions, customers will no longer be able to use hosepipes for activities including watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning patios, filling paddling pools and topping up hot tubs. However, watering cans, buckets and water collected in water butts can still be used.

The announcement has prompted water storage specialists to encourage people to consider longer term ways of reducing reliance on mains water, particularly as periods of hot, dry weather become more frequent.

North Lincolnshire based Tanks R Us, which supplies water storage tanks across the UK, says interest in rainwater harvesting and water storage solutions typically increases during dry spells, as homeowners, farmers and businesses look for practical ways to make better use of available water.

A spokesperson for Tanks R Us said: "Restrictions like these are a reminder that water is a valuable resource, particularly during extended periods of dry weather. While people understandably focus on the immediate impact of a hosepipe ban, it's also an opportunity to think about longer term water resilience.

"Rainwater harvesting systems and water storage tanks allow households and businesses to collect and store water when it's available, reducing reliance on mains supplies for tasks such as watering gardens, cleaning outdoor spaces or supporting agricultural operations."

The company offers a range of water storage solutions, from compact domestic tanks to larger commercial systems, including rainwater harvesting tanks and water storage tanks for agricultural, industrial and construction use.

With meteorologists warning that hotter, drier summers are likely to become more common as the climate changes, experts say investing in water storage infrastructure could help homes and businesses become better prepared for future restrictions.

Anglian Water says it is currently producing around 30% more water than usual, while continuing to repair leaks, move water around its network and invest in new infrastructure. Despite these efforts, demand continues to outstrip the rate at which rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources can naturally recover.

The water company is asking customers to reduce non essential water use immediately, ahead of the legal restrictions taking effect this weekend, to help protect water supplies and the local environment throughout the summer.

For homeowners and businesses considering ways to improve water efficiency, specialists say planning ahead before future dry periods could reduce pressure on mains supplies while providing a reliable source of stored water for everyday outdoor use.