Anglian Water has revealed the hosepipe ban in Norfolk could remain in place until winter.
The ban, introduced on July 11, followed weeks of extreme dry weather and temperatures that exceeded 35C.
It restricts the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning private vehicles or filling or maintaining swimming pools, paddling pools and hot tubs.
The hosepipe ban has been in place since July 11 (Image: Newsquest / Denise Bradley)
Grant Tufts from Anglian Water stated at a Norfolk County Council meeting that the ban would continue "well into the autumn, maybe even the winter".
He explained both groundwater and river water levels remain much lower than required to lift the ban.
"I think we need several more downpours and consistent rain to recharge those supplies," he said.
Some exemptions to the ban apply, including for individuals on the Priority Services Register and for reasons related to health and safety, animal welfare, religious observance and certain business needs.
The Environment Agency has also confirmed it will take more than a few weeks of wet weather to end the drought conditions in Norfolk.
The county was officially declared to be in a drought on July 29 after a prolonged period of low rainfall.
The Environment Agency has confirmed it will take more than a few weeks of wet weather to end the drought conditions in Norfolk (Image: Brittany Woodman)
In Great Yarmouth, Essex & Suffolk Water has been thanking customers for their efforts to save water.
New data shows that demand has fallen by around 7pc since a Temporary Use Ban (TUB) was introduced at the beginning of August.
Despite the weather expected to become cooler and wetter as autumn approaches, the company has said it is still too early to lift restrictions.
Combined reservoir storage ended August at 52pc and bosses are urging customers to continue using water wisely.
A total of 43mm of rain fell during the month, equivalent to 71pc of the long-term average for August.
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