South East Water announced on 16 June 2023 that temporary restrictions on hosepipes and sprinklers will apply to customers across Kent and Sussex, enforced from 26 June1. The company said demand for drinking water in the two counties had reached record levels in June, with customers using a similar amount of water as in the drought the previous year1.
The company said that over the week before the announcement, low stocks in its local clean water storage tanks had begun to affect customers, who experienced low pressure or no water1. It said its facilities were working at full output, with every water treatment works and water source producing treated water, but that it was unable to return storage tanks to satisfactory levels to supply its 2.3 million customers consistently1. South East Water said it had produced an additional 120 million litres of water a day, which it described as equivalent to supplying four towns the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne, and that demand had broken all previous records, including during the Covid lockdown heatwave periods1.
From 26 June, customers will be prevented from using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, patios and boats, and from filling swimming and paddling pools1. The company attributed the situation to a prolonged period of dry weather combined with high temperatures in recent weeks1.
David Hinton, Chief Executive Officer of South East Water, said:
"The long-term forecast for the rest of the summer is for a dry period with little rainfall, although temperatures may reduce slightly. Restricting the use of hosepipes and sprinklers to make sure we have enough water for our customers' essential use, will ensure we can serve our vulnerable customers and to protect the local environment."
The company said it was submitting proposals to its regulator, Ofwat, to solve these issues, and that climate change and other factors were increasing the frequency of such events1.
Why it matters for households
Households in Kent and Sussex supplied by South East Water are affected from 26 June 2023, when the temporary restrictions are enforced1. The company has set out what the restrictions cover: hosepipes for gardens, cars, patios and boats, and the filling of swimming and paddling pools1. Some customers had already experienced low pressure or no water in the week before the announcement1. The company's guidance on saving water at home when supplies are low and on what to do about low pressure covers these situations, and its checklist for a supply interruption sets out what to keep ready. Households can also read how long restoration may take and how much drinking water to store per person.
South East Water said its Priority Services Register is available for customers with medical conditions, restricted mobility, additional needs, and sight and hearing issues who may need extra support, with the Customer Care Team reachable on 0800 952 40001. The company also pointed customers to water saving tips and free water efficiency gadgets on its website1.
What happens next
The temporary restrictions are enforced from 26 June 20231. South East Water said the long-term forecast for the rest of the summer is for a dry period with little rainfall, although temperatures may reduce slightly1. The company said it is submitting proposals to Ofwat to solve these issues1.
Sources (1)
- Temporary hosepipe restrictions for South East Water’s Kent and S | South East Water, southeastwater.co.uk
Saving Water at Home
Low Water Pressure
Supply Interruption Checklist
When Supply Is Restored
