Anglian Water could extend water use ban to businesses

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Restrictions on water use could be extended to businesses such as car washes, window cleaners, and gyms with swimming pools if the dry weather continues.

Anglian Water could implement a non-essential use ban (NEUBs) for businesses if water resources like rivers and reservoirs remain at exceptionally low levels.

Unlike the hosepipe restrictions for households, which have been in place in Norfolk for more than a month, the water company would have to apply to the Secretary of State to enforce a non-essential ban for firms.

It comes as government officials have drawn up a "reasonable worst case scenario" that would include restrictions on businesses if the low rainfall continues.

Although Norfolk has started to experience its first rain in weeks, water reserves remain low.

About 27 million people in England are currently living in areas covered by hosepipe bans.

Alongside car washes, window cleaners, and the refilling of private swimming pools, NEUBs can also be imposed to stop the watering of sport and recreation pitches as the football season returns across the UK.

It could also stop the watering of sport and recreation pitches (Image: Supplied)

Anglian Water said: "As with restrictions for household customers, this isn’t a step we would take lightly, but it is an option if we believe the situation calls for it."

The water company has already been asking businesses in the region to "do the right thing" and cut down on their water usage, and the temporary use ban in place for household customers also applies to businesses when they are carrying out domestic tasks, such as watering gardens.

"As we have now had our fifth heatwave, we’re continuing to ask customers and businesses to reduce their water consumption wherever possible, to protect rivers as well as customer supplies," Anglian Water said.

"We're continuing to closely monitor conditions and restrictions will remain in place for as long as they're needed to help protect water supplies and the environment.

"The sooner water resources recover, the sooner restrictions can be lifted."

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