Is recent rainfall enough to end Anglian Water hosepipe ban?

Anglian Water says a few wet days are not enough to offset a long-term rainfall deficit that led to the restrictions on July 11.

It claims the region has experienced two years of unusually dry springs and repeated heatwaves, putting sustained pressure on rivers, reservoirs and underground water stores.

"These sources take time to recover and require sustained periods of rainfall over a much longer period, typically during the autumn and winter months," a spokeswoman for Anglian Water said.

"Rainfall during hotter, drier periods is also less effective because hard, dry ground absorbs less water, making it more difficult to replenish groundwater supplies. 

"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."

Kieran Ingram, water director at Essex & Suffolk Water, which covers part of Great Yarmouth, echoed the same message.

"Recent rainfall has helped, but much more is needed before we see a significant improvement in water resources," he said.