Cambridge Water has imposed a temporary hosepipe ban across its supply area, covering about 350,000 households and customers. The company says record demand, below-average rainfall and dry, hot weather have drawn down underground reserves faster than normal. The ban becomes enforceable at 1am on July 17, with breaches carrying fines of up to £1,000.
Cambridge Water has imposed a temporary hosepipe ban across its supply area, affecting about 350,000 households and customers as dry, hot weather continues to pressure water supplies.
The company said the restriction is intended to protect drinking-water supplies and environmental flows through the summer months. It also said this is its first hosepipe ban in more than 30 years, since the 1995 drought.
The ban is already in place and will be enforceable from 1am on Friday, July 17, 2026. Anyone who breaches the restriction by using a hosepipe could face a fine of up to £1,000.
The rule does not apply to hosepipe use for business purposes.
Why Cambridge Water acted now
Cambridge Water said demand for water has been at the highest ever levels for the time of year since April because of dry, hot weather.
The company also said rainfall has been below average since March, and that underground reserves have been drawing down sooner and faster than normal.
It said the aim is to make sure there is enough water for customers and the environment through the summer.
Who is covered
The restriction applies across Cambridge Water’s supply area and affects about 350,000 households.
Cambridge Water said the ban also covers customers supplied through affiliated networks operated by Independent Water Networks Ltd, ESP Utilities Group and Leep Networks (Water) Ltd.
The company has not yet published a final postcode-level map in the material reviewed here, so further clarification may follow on exact local coverage and enforcement details.
Wider pressure on supplies
The move comes as England endures another heatwave, adding pressure to already strained water systems across parts of the country.
Other water companies in southern England have already introduced or signaled hosepipe restrictions this summer.
Cambridge Water has not said how long the temporary use ban will remain in force.
Further updates are being watched for on exemptions, the final enforcement map and whether nearby suppliers announce similar restrictions.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.