Water demand peaks at 687 million litres a day

South East Water has reported that demand for water entering its network peaked at 687 million litres a day on Wednesday 24 June 2026, nearly 100 million litres more than the average for June¹. The company says demand has consistently stayed within its red alert level¹. It has temporary use bans, commonly called hosepipe bans, in place across all its supply areas¹.

The restrictions were announced and brought into force in two stages. The company says the hot weather and lower than average rainfall between March and June left water levels falling, and that in Kent it was the capacity to treat and pump water that prompted the move¹. It also cites demand outstripping supply and a decline in river levels¹.

The ban applies to all customers the company supplies with drinking water, including customers of Last Mile Water, Leaf Water and Independent Water Networks (IWNL)¹. South East Water states that contravening the prohibition is an offence, and that a customer convicted could face a fine of up to £1,000 under section 76(5) of the Water Industry Act¹.

The company reports that March to June saw just half of normal rainfall, and that it has produced up to more than 100 million litres of additional water a day, equivalent to supplying three towns the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne¹. It says every available treatment works is operating at maximum capacity and that water is being drawn from regional storage tanks faster than it can be treated and refilled¹. Over the last year it repaired over 21,000 leaks on its network, compared with 18,200 in the previous year, and over 6,000 customer-side leaks¹. It says it aims to fix 90 per cent of leaks within 48 hours of them being reported¹.

Why it matters for households

Households in Kent have been subject to the ban since 3 July 2026, and those in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire since 25 July 2026¹. South East Water says the ban will likely continue until demand has reduced to manageable levels, water resources are back to normal and there is no further risk of supply interruptions across the network throughout the summer, and that it keeps the position under constant review¹.

The company lists exemptions. Customers on its Priority Service Register who cannot make adjustments under the restrictions, such as using a watering can instead of a hose, are exempt for their own domestic property and for an allotment for which they are the registered tenant¹. It says it is granting exemptions to many types of hosepipe use done in service to customers as a business, such as car washes and window cleaners, and that commercial agricultural activities are not affected, though the prohibited uses still apply in the home and garden¹. A hosepipe from a private borehole, artificial lake or well can still be used, and hoses remain permitted where unavoidable for health and safety or welfare, and for the welfare of aquatic animals including fish¹.

Households needing an exemption can call 0300 000 0001, and the company asks for a letter from a doctor, or from a vet, as evidence of medical need before an exemption is granted¹. Customers unsure of their Priority Service Register status can call 0800 952 4000¹. The water hub sets out wider guidance on supply and restrictions, and the heatwaves and drought hub covers prolonged hot and dry spells.

What happens next

South East Water says it will keep the position under constant review and will announce any lifting of the ban through newspaper notices, social media, emails to customers, letters to MPs and councillors, its website and the media¹. It says it will communicate directly with any exempt groups whose status changes¹.