A hosepipe ban will remain in place as water supplies remain under pressure, Anglian Water has revealed.
The water company confirmed the restrictions, which have been in effect since July 11 in parts of Essex including Colchester, will not be lifted yet.
The ban is the first in the region since 2012 and followed weeks of extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 35C.
An Anglian Water spokesman said: "We're incredibly grateful to customers across Suffolk and the wider region for the support they've shown since temporary hosepipe restrictions were introduced, which has seen demand for water fall by 9 per cent.
"This is making a real difference by reducing pressure on our water resources and helping us to maintain supplies for customers."
The ban prohibits the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning private vehicles, or filling or maintaining swimming pools, paddling pools and hot tubs.
Although temperatures have dropped, the company said conditions "remain very dry," with reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater supplies “lower than we would normally expect”.
Some rivers are currently described as “at exceptionally low levels”.
Anglian Water said it has increased efforts to repair leaks and reduce water loss, with “additional teams working across the region" to help protect supplies.
The company said there are no plans to lift the restrictions at this stage and that they will remain in place "for as long as they're needed to help protect water supplies and the environment".
Hosepipe bans can be introduced by water companies when essential supplies are threatened due to prolonged dry weather.
Exemptions apply in certain circumstances, including for those on the Priority Services Register, and for reasons relating to health and safety, animal welfare, religious observance, or certain business requirements.
Anglian Water has thanked customers for their continued support.
