South East Water bans hosepipes for 850,000+ customers

South East Water has imposed a hosepipe ban affecting over 850,000 customers across Kent, with the company urging immediate compliance ahead of the restriction's formal enforcement. The announcement on June 25 comes as a severe heatwave drives record demand for drinking water, straining the utility's capacity to treat and pump supplies.

The temporary use ban, which officially takes effect on July 3, prohibits the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios, and boats, and for filling swimming or paddling pools. The company has asked customers in its service areas, which also include Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and East and West Sussex, to adhere to the restrictions straight away to protect water supplies.

David Hinton, Chief Executive Officer of South East Water, stated that the sustained heatwave has led to water being drawn from storage tanks faster than it can be replenished. He emphasized that the priority is ensuring enough water for essential daily needs like hygiene, drinking, and cooking, and protecting vulnerable customers. The company reported that it experienced just 36% of normal rainfall from March to May, though raw water levels in reservoirs...