Essex & Suffolk Water is asking customers to be mindful of their water use and consider using less water, while the weather is extremely hot and dry.
After months of dry weather and three successive heatwaves, Suffolk has experienced temperatures of up to 31°C in recent days and received just 0.3mm of rainfall since 1 July.
The hot weather has had a significant impact on demand for water, with an extra seven million litres needed per day in Suffolk since Wednesday 1 July.
That’s the equivalent of supplying a town the size of Lowestoft, on top of our normal supply areas.
While a temporary usage ban, often referred to as a hosepipe ban, is not currently being introduced, Essex & Suffolk Water is closely monitoring water resources and preparing for all eventualities.
Kieran Ingram, Water Director, said: " It takes a great deal of effort to turn rainwater into clean, safe drinkable water for everyday use, and the recent spell of hot, dry weather has led to a significant increase in water demand across Suffolk.
“Because of this, we need to formally appeal to our customers to show restraint with their water use and ask them to help us by considering how they use water.
"We're asking customers to help by using water wisely wherever possible. Small changes can make a big difference and could help reduce the likelihood of restrictions being needed later in the summer.
"We're continuing to tackle leaks and bursts and are doing everything we can to manage supplies, but we also need customers' help.
“If a temporary water use ban becomes necessary, we’ll work closely with local communities to provide the right support. But by making wise choices now, our customers can help lower the risk of such restrictions being needed.”
To try and help avoid any restrictions the water company is asking its customers in the Suffolk areas to consider using less water.
Advice on how to do this is here: Water saving tips.