A temporary use ban (TUB), also known as a hosepipe ban, has been introduced for all Anglian Water customers in Milton Keynes, and the wider region.
The restrictions will be enforced from 1.01am tomorrow (Sat). But in order to help protect water supplies and the environment, they are asking customers to start following the restrictions immediately.
Weeks of hot, dry weather and record water use mean we're using more water than ever before. These restrictions will help make sure there's enough water for homes, businesses and essential services, while protecting our local rivers and the environment.
It is the first temporary ban implemented since 2012.
A spokesperson said: "We know this won't be welcome news. After weeks of hot, dry weather and exceptionally high demand, we're using water faster than it can be replaced naturally.
"To help protect supplies for everyone, we now need customers to reduce non-essential water use.
"Our teams are currently treating and supplying around 30% more water than usual, but water is being used faster than it can be replaced naturally in rivers, groundwater sources and reservoirs."
During the temporary use ban, you must not use a hosepipe for:
- Watering your garden
- Watering plants
- Washing your car
- Cleaning patios and driveways
- Cleaning walls and windows
- Filling paddling pools, swimming pools or hot tubs
- Filling ponds and ornamental fountains
- Cleaning private leisure boats
The restrictions also apply to sprinklers and pressure washers connected to the mains water supply.
You can continue to water gardens and grow fruit and vegetables using a watering can, bucket, water from a water butt or a drip or trickle irrigation system if:
- it is fitted with a timer
- it is fitted with a pressure reducing valve
- it is not handheld
- it delivers water directly to the soil or plant roots
Sprinklers, misters, spray irrigation systems and other irrigation equipment that disperses water into the air are not to be used.
