Norfolk expected to remain in drought until next spring

It comes as the Environment Agency warned that the UK will need 120pc of average rainfall over the next seven months for all areas to emerge from drought by spring.

Water companies, including Anglian Water, have now been urged not to lose momentum and carry on water efficiency measures as drought conditions continue even with the recent September rainfall.

People across Norfolk are still banned from using a hosepipe (Image: PA Media)

Anglian Water enforced a hosepipe ban across most of Norfolk on July 11 amid a heatwave which saw temperatures reach highs of 38C in Lingwood.

Philip Duffy, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: "The drought situation remains very serious and we cannot underestimate the challenge ahead over the coming months.

"Several reservoirs are concerningly low and we need water companies to take every action possible to secure water supplies going into next year, including stepping up on leakage reduction and following their drought plans.

"A few weeks of rain cannot reverse the deficit we face from the very dry spring and summer.

"We still need everyone to use a little less water to speed up the drought recovery."

Philip Duffy, chief executive at the Environment Agency (Image: Environment Agency)

Even with recent rainfall, reservoirs remain around 20pc below expected levels and groundwater reserves are still declining.

There is also a 1pc risk of a severe drought in the coming months, which is something that has not been seen in the UK since 1976.

The Met Office forecasts a return to drier weather for the second half of September, especially in southern regions where rain is needed most.

The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation and work with water companies to manage supply and demand, while urging the public to use water responsibly.