South East Water has widened its hosepipe ban to encompass approximately 2.4 million residents across parts of Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, building on restrictions that had been in effect in portions of Kent since July 3. The company initiated the expanded ban following exceptionally high temperatures and prolonged drought conditions in the region.
Under the new restrictions, households are prohibited from using hosepipes for activities such as cleaning surfaces, filling water features, and watering plants. The official implementation date is set for 00:01 BST on Saturday, though South East Water requested customers begin compliance immediately. The decision came after reservoir levels, particularly Arlington Reservoir in East Sussex, dropped to thresholds outlined in the company’s drought contingency plan.
Weather conditions have significantly strained water supplies across the region. The UK recorded its hottest June day for a third consecutive day last month, with temperatures reaching 37.3C according to the Met Office. Since March, the area has received only 55 percent of its average rainfall, with some locations experiencing extended dry periods. Wisley in Surrey recorded 31 days without significant rainfall.
The hosepipe ban comes amid broader challenges for South East Water. The company faces a £30.5m investment obligation following Ofwat investigations and reported experiencing a £55m financial impact from winter outages. Some local businesses have already experienced disruptions, with closures attributed to water supply issues affecting operations and revenue. Water supply challenges have also prompted concerns from consumer representatives about customer confidence and conservation motivation.
Nearby Southern Water, which operates in other Sussex areas, indicated that its supply region would avoid implementing hosepipe restrictions, citing water levels that were actually favorable compared to the previous year.