Residents across Hitchin will face a hosepipe ban from next Friday (17 July) after Affinity Water announced new water restrictions following one of the driest and hottest starts to summer in recent years.

The temporary restrictions, officially known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB), will come into force at 12.01am on Friday, 17 July, and apply to Affinity Water customers across Hertfordshire, including Hitchin.

Affinity Water says demand for water across its Central region has risen by around 20% during the recent hot weather, while supplies have been reduced because less water than usual is being received from Grafham Water reservoir, which normally provides around 10% of the region's supply.

The company says the restrictions will remain in place until water resources recover and demand returns to sustainable levels.

What can't you do?

During the hosepipe ban, customers will not be allowed to use a hosepipe to:

• Water gardens or lawns
• Water plants at domestic properties
• Wash private cars
• Fill or top up paddling pools and swimming pools
• Fill or top up ornamental ponds and fountains
• Clean patios, driveways and paths
• Wash walls, windows and other outdoor surfaces
• Use a hosepipe for domestic recreational activities

Anyone who ignores the restrictions could face a fine of up to £1,000.

There are some exemptions

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Residents can still water gardens using a watering can or bucket, while rainwater collected in water butts can still be used.

The ban also includes exemptions for Blue Badge holders, customers on Affinity Water's Priority Services Register, animal welfare, and some newly planted trees and turf. Commercial car washes can also continue operating.

Affinity Water has urged customers to save water wherever possible, including taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.

The announcement follows similar hosepipe bans introduced by several other water companies across England as prolonged hot, dry weather continues to put pressure on water supplies.