Water company explains why two Cambridge splash pads are closed but others aren’t amid hosepipe ban

The two splash pads were closed in response to a hosepipe ban

Questions have been raised over why two Cambridge splash pads have been closed during a hosepipe ban, but others in the city remain open. Parts of England, including Cambridgeshire, were officially declared in drought on Wednesday (July 29) after a hot summer to date.

Cambridge Water and Anglian Water issued a hosepipe ban in early July, preventing people from using extra water amid “unprecedented demand”. Abbey Splash Pad and King’s Hedges Splash Pad in Cambridge have been closed as a result of the ban.

A Cambridge Water spokesperson said: “We have worked closely with Cambridge City Council since implementing the hosepipe restrictions. Most of the splash pads recycle water and these are still in use. There are a couple that do not recycle water and these will remain closed.”

A spokesperson on behalf of Cambridge City Council and Better Leisure, which oversees the splash pads, said the decision to close two splash pads was “not taken lightly”.

The spokesperson added: “Following Cambridge Water’s introduction of the hosepipe ban in our region, a decision was made to temporarily close the Abbey splash pad. This was not a decision taken lightly but was made to help protect local water supplies during a period when water resources were under significant pressure.

“Unlike our other splash pads and paddling pools, the Abbey splash pad does not operate on a water filtration and recirculation system. It is a single-use system, meaning the water used is not recycled and instead drains away after use.

“We recognise how popular the splash pad is with local families, particularly during the summer holidays. The splash pad will be reopened at the earliest opportunity once pressures on water supplies have eased.

“The King’s Hedges splash pad was already closed for refurbishment before the hosepipe ban was introduced. In the meantime, our other splash pads and paddling pools that provide more efficient water usage remain open as normal. We encourage residents looking to cool off this summer to make use of our other free splash pads and paddling pools.”