Drought in Essex and Suffolk: why our rivers need us to save water

After an exceptionally hot and dry summer, drought has now spread across almost three-quarters of England, with 71.3% of the country officially in drought.

The Environment Agency announced on 10 August that drought conditions had expanded significantly following England’s driest July on record. East Anglia is among the areas affected, with rivers and groundwater levels falling, water resources coming under increasing pressure, and restrictions already affecting millions of people.

The latest declaration marks a sharp escalation from the situation just two weeks earlier, when around half of England had been declared in drought.

With continued dry weather and high temperatures, concerns are growing over the impact on water supplies, agriculture, wildlife and the region’s rivers and wetlands.

Environment Agency map showing drought status across England on 29 July 2026. Areas in the south and east, including Essex and Suffolk, are shown as being in drought (orange), while surrounding areas are experiencing prolonged dry weather (yellow). Northern England is mostly shown as normal (green).

For those of us living in Essex and Suffolk, the impacts are already becoming visible. River levels and flows are lower than we would normally expect at this time of year, soils are extremely dry and groundwater levels are under pressure. At the same time, hot weather means that demand for water increases as we use more for drinking, gardens and keeping cool.

Why does drought matter for our rivers?

Drought isn't just about whether there is enough water coming out of our taps. Our rivers, wetlands and wildlife depend on healthy flows of water too.

When rainfall is low for a prolonged period, less water reaches our rivers and streams. Groundwater which provides an important source of water to many rivers, particularly during dry periods, also takes time to recover.

Low river flows can make conditions particularly challenging for wildlife. Fish and other aquatic species have less habitat available; water temperatures can rise and there can be less oxygen in the water. Migratory fish can also find it more difficult to move through rivers when water levels and flows are low.

The Environment Agency reports that 78% of England's rivers are currently classified as below normal or lower, with a sixth classed as exceptionally low for the time of year.

This is why conserving water is not just about securing our drinking water supply; every drop we save can also help leave more water in our rivers and the wider environment.

Temporary Use Bans are now in place

In response to the prolonged dry weather, water companies have introduced Temporary Use Bans (TUBs), commonly known as hosepipe bans.

Essex & Suffolk Water introduced a Temporary Use Ban across its supply area from 3 August 2026. The restrictions limit the use of hosepipes and attachments such as sprinklers, irrigation systems and pressure washers for a range of activities, including watering gardens, washing cars and filling swimming pools and ponds. Some exemptions apply.

Anglian Water also has a Temporary Use Ban in place across its region.

The company introduced restrictions in July following months of hot, dry weather and exceptionally high demand for water.

Encouragingly, water demand fell by around 9% after the restrictions came into force, showing that the small changes we make collectively really can make a difference.

These restrictions are not only about keeping water available for homes and businesses. They also help reduce pressure on the rivers, groundwater and reservoirs that supply our water.

What can we do?

There is no need to panic but there is good reason for all of us to think about how we use water.

Simple changes can make a surprisingly big difference. Taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, only running washing machines and dishwashers when they are full, fixing leaks and avoiding unnecessary water use can all help.

If you have a garden, let the lawn go brown for now as it will recover when wetter weather returns. Where watering is necessary, using a watering can rather than a hosepipe can significantly reduce the amount of water used.

And, of course, if you are covered by a Temporary Use Ban, make sure you understand and follow your water company's restrictions.

Every drop counts

Droughts can feel like a big and complicated problem, but water conservation is one area where everyone's small actions can add up. We need water for our homes, farms, businesses and communities but we also need it for our rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.

By using water wisely now, we can help reduce pressure on precious water resources and give our rivers the best possible chance of getting through this exceptionally dry period.

Find out more

• Read the press release: Drought declared in half of England

• More areas in England declared in drought after record dry July

• Anglian Water - Water Saving Tips

• Essex and Suffolk Water - Why save water?