Cambridge Water Temporary Use Ban in force
Posted: 17 July 2026
Cambridge Water is reminding customers that its Temporary Use Ban, also known as a hosepipe ban, became legally enforceable from 1am today, Friday 17 July.
The restrictions were introduced across the Cambridge Water supply region following one of the driest springs in recent years, exceptionally warm summer weather, very high demand for water and the need to further protect the region’s internationally important chalk streams.
Since the Temporary Use Ban was introduced, customers have responded positively and daily demand for water has continued to fall. Alongside this, teams have been working around the clock to find and fix as many leaks as possible, many of which have occurred due to ground movement caused by the prolonged dry weather. Together, this is helping to reduce the gap between the amount of water Cambridge Water can produce and the amount it needs to supply. However, the company is asking customers to keep going whilst the hot, dry weather continues.
Elena Karpathakis, Managing Director of Cambridge Water, said:
“We are really proud to serve the communities in Cambridge, and have been blown away by their
positive support since the Temporary Use Ban was introduced. Daily demand is starting to move in the
right direction, and that is a brilliant start, but we need everyone to keep going.
“The restrictions are now legally enforceable, but our priority remains helping customers understand
what they can and cannot do, and supporting them to use water wisely. Thousands of customers are
already doing the right thing, and every litre saved helps protect supplies for homes, businesses and
the environment.
“We know how important reliable water supplies are to the communities we serve, and we do not take
these restrictions lightly. The continued hot, dry weather has placed real pressure on water resources,
including the local groundwater sources and chalk streams that are such an important part of our
environment.
“Thank you again to everyone who is making changes to reduce non-essential water use. By working
together, we can make a significant difference. Whilst temperatures have reduced a little, there has
still been a lack of significant rain which means the local rivers and waterways remain under significant
pressure, and we must continue to protect them.”
The restrictions mean customers must not use a hosepipe for non-essential activities such as watering gardens, washing vehicles, filling paddling pools, swimming pools, hot tubs or cold-water plunge pools, or cleaning patios or windows.
Customers can still carry out these activities using a bucket or watering can, or by using water that is not from the mains supply, such as rainwater from a water butt or recycled greywater.
A range of exemptions are available, including for certain medical, welfare and business-related circumstances. Customers are encouraged to check Cambridge Water’s website for the full list of restrictions, exemptions and frequently asked questions.
Cambridge Water supplies drinking water to around 350,000 customers across Cambridgeshire and parts of Bedfordshire.