Many reservoirs in the east are at normal levels for the time of year

The Eastern Consumer Council for Water says no ban is necessary as reservoirs are full in many parts of the region.

Chairman Catherine Harvey said: "We believe customers are receiving mixed messages about water shortages.

"Essex and Suffolk Water say reservoirs are virtually full and at normal levels so it sees no need to introduce a hosepipe ban at the moment."

Essex and Suffolk Water has no restrictions on water use currently in place but is encouraging customers to use water wisely.

Future problems

Mrs Harvey said: "We believe that there is no need for customers to panic about the current water situation.

"Our concern is about the medium and longer-term water position in the eastern region.

"In the short-term customers can help to minimise future problems by saving water and cutting wastage."

The Consumer Council for Water Eastern continues to encourage water companies to be vigilant in attending to leaks.

It has also been in discussion with the water companies and the Environment Agency to propose a unified and consistent message is presented to customers.

The watchdog represents customers of Anglian Water, Cambridge Water and Tendring Hundred Water.

This covers water supplies in the counties of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire and Suffolk.

The Eastern Consumer Council for Water has issued guidelines to help people conserve water supplies and reduce consumption.