ESSEX & Suffolk Water is reminding customers that significantly more rainfall is needed to reverse the impact of the ongoing drought, following five heatwaves and months of exceptionally dry weather.

The company says: "There is no specific amount of rainfall that would allow the temporary use hosepipe ban to be lifted. Decisions are based on a range of factors, including reservoir levels, river flows, groundwater levels, soil moisture and the wider environmental impact of drought.

"In Essex and Suffolk, rainfall in July was just three of the long-term average, and only 34% in August. The Environment Agency is also monitoring soil moisture, which shows the ground is currently around 30% drier than normal.

"After months of hot and dry weather, the ground is very dry and compacted, meaning rainfall cannot easily soak into the soil. Steady, damp and prolonged rainfall conditions allow water to slowly soak into the ground, replenishing soil moisture and groundwater.

"This recovery process typically takes place over autumn and winter. As rivers and groundwater recover, reservoirs can also begin to replenish, helping build water supplies for the following year.

"While the recent rainfall has been welcome, sustained periods of wetter weather will be needed before drought conditions ease and restrictions can be reviewed. "

Kieran Ingram, Water Director, said: "After a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, the ground, rivers and groundwater sources all need time to recover. Recent rainfall has helped, but much more is needed before we see a significant improvement in water resources.

"Nature will take time to recover, and while the recent rainfall is encouraging, we will need sustained wetter weather over the coming months before drought conditions ease and restrictions can be reviewed."

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Drought recovery happens in stages. Rainfall first needs to restore moisture levels in the soil, which have been depleted by months of hot and dry weather. Once the ground has recovered, water can more easily reach rivers and groundwater sources to enable the recovery of reservoir levels and a return to more normal water resource conditions.