Anglian Water says it is taking steps to protect water resources in our region after an exceptionally dry 2025 so far has left supplies depleted. Unlike some parts of the country, including the neighbouring Yorkshire Water area, the region has not seen a hosepipe ban put in place for households which has partly been put down to a "longstanding investment in resilience".
However, Anglian Water says that, despite the recent wetter weather, water resources remain much lower than usual for this time of year. September was the first month since January where the east of England saw above-average rainfall, with ten of the last 12 months seeing lower-than-normal levels.
The Met Office has revealed that 2025 saw the warmest summer on record nationally, with an average temperature of 16.10°C between June 1 and August 31, which is 1.51°C above the long-term meteorological average. This spring and summer have also been among the driest in the Anglian Water region since records began in 1899, second only to the notoriously dry 1976. In August, the region received just 30 per cent of the long term average rainfall expected for the month.
As a result, levels in reservoirs, rivers and groundwater sources are below normal for this time of year, and a significant amount of rainfall is needed to fully replenish these sources. Around half of the water delivered to the Anglian region originates from underground sources.
Despite recent downpours, the earth remains exceptionally parched and, as such, acts as a blockade when rainfall occurs. This restricts underground water replenishment and extends the recovery period for these vital sources.
The arid conditions also place Anglian Water's subterranean pipe network at greater risk of movement and fractures, increasing the likelihood of leaks and ruptures. Ian Rule, Director of Water Services for Anglian Water, said: "As we head into autumn and winter, we're likely to see some more rain - so it's easy to forget what a dry year we've had so far.
"In fact, this spring and summer period was the driest since 1976. At Anglian Water, we operate in the driest part of the country, so we've been working for decades to make sure we're ready for drought - investing in projects like our strategic pipeline which will transport water from wetter parts of our region to the driest areas that need it most.
"This longstanding investment in resilience is one of the reasons why we didn't reach the triggers to implement restrictions this year. Despite some recent rainfall though, we've still got a really long way to go.
"Our modelling suggests that for water resources to return to normal levels we will need a significant amount of consistent rainfall this winter - more than 100 per cent of the usual rainfall every month until next April. This means we need to see more rainfall over the next six months than we've had across the entirety of 2025 so far!
"While our water supplies are currently secure, our teams we will be working around the clock this winter to ensure as much as of the rainfall we receive goes towards supporting the environment and the recharge of our sources. We are also continuing to ask our customers to support us with this by using a 'little less' wherever they can. If we experience a drier than average winter, then we will take further action to ensure we protect water resources ahead of summer 2026."
The east of England is one of the nation's driest regions and maintains a fragile environmental balance. It also ranks among the country's most rapidly expanding areas, with anticipated population increases exceeding 700,000 over the coming two decades.
To bolster resilience and guarantee abundant supplies of safe, high-quality water both now and for future generations, Anglian Water says it is making substantial investments in preparation. As part of its most ambitious business plan to date, valued at £11bn, the water company will complete its strategic pipeline network to transport water across the region by the end of the decade, while also finalising proposals to start construction of two new reservoirs.
Mr Rule added: "Water is a precious resource, and we see ourselves as its custodians, responsible for balancing the needs of customers with those of the environment. However, everyone has a role to play to support the environment - we all need to work together and that includes relying on our customers to use water wisely."