Essex & Suffolk Water has shared an update on its hosepipe ban after sustained rainfall across the region.
Despite recent wet weather, the company says much more rain is needed to recover from the impact of the ongoing drought and months of exceptionally dry weather.
Kieran Ingram, water director, said: "After a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, the ground, rivers and groundwater sources all need time to recover.
"Recent rainfall has helped, but much more is needed before we see a significant improvement in water resources.
"Nature will take time to recover, and while the recent rainfall is encouraging, we will need sustained wetter weather over the coming months before drought conditions ease and restrictions can be reviewed."
Decisions about lifting the temporary hosepipe ban depend on several factors, including reservoir levels, river flows, groundwater levels, soil moisture and the wider environmental impact of drought.
July saw just three per cent of the long-term average rainfall in Essex and Suffolk, and August recorded only 34 per cent.
Soil is currently estimated to be around 30 per cent drier than normal.
Following prolonged dry weather, the ground has become so compacted that water is struggling to penetrate the soil.
A slow and steady return of wetter weather is needed to allow rain to soak in, restore soil moisture and help replenish groundwater.
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This process typically unfolds over the autumn and winter months.
As rivers and groundwater recover, reservoirs can also begin to replenish, helping build water supplies for the following year.
Mr Ingram said that drought recovery is a gradual process, beginning with soil moisture restoration.
Once the ground is rehydrated, rainwater can begin to reach rivers and groundwater sources, eventually refilling reservoirs and returning water resources to more typical levels.
In the meantime, residents are being encouraged to reduce water usage at home and in the garden to help conserve supplies.
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