Temporary hosepipe restrictions for South East Water’s customers in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire

Temporary restrictions on the use of hosepipes are being introduced across South East Water's supply areas in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

This follows lower than average rainfall since March and continued hot weather and high demand, which has led to low river levels and the need to protect some groundwater sources.

To help ensure that the company can provide a consistent public water service for all its customers in these areas South East Water is moving to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers with immediate effect. These customers join those in the company’s Kent supply area, who are already subject to temporary hosepipe restrictions.

South East Water’s untreated (raw) water resources were in a healthy position moving through spring and into early summer following the higher than average winter rainfall. Since March, just over half the expected rainfall has been recorded across all the drinking water company’s supply areas. This has meant those levels are falling and have now breached the triggers in the company’s approved Drought Plan

During the heatwaves and continued hot weather the company has had every available water treatment works and source producing treated water at full capacity, moved water around the network to where it’s needed most and ensured that drinking water storage tanks were filled as much as possible.

The drinking water company has also increased the number of teams fixing bursts and leaks, has replaced leak and burst-prone pipes to save water and is working with farmers and landowners to improve water quality and quantity of rivers and groundwater sources. New water sources will be developed in Sussex in the longer term, with different options currently being explored.

Douglas Whitfield, Water Supply Director, South East Water, said: “We completely understand why everyone reaches for the hose when the weather gets this hot. It’s natural to want to enjoy our gardens and cool down, and we know how frustrating it is to hear that restrictions are coming into place.

"Our teams have worked incredibly hard to prepare for this summer, but the sheer scale of the sustained heatwaves and lower levels of rainfall mean water resources are starting to be impacted. Our absolute priority has to be making sure there is always enough water for everyone’s essential daily needs: drinking, cooking and hygiene.

"To safeguard our shared resource and help prevent any homes from facing a sudden loss of water, we sadly need to ask our communities to not use their hosepipes immediately. We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone helping us protect water supplies in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

“For our customers in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, we understand that restrictions may be new to you, as we have not had to place your area in temporary restrictions in 14 years, since 2012. You can find full details of what is restricted on our website: southeastwater.co.uk/tubs

“We recognise how challenging these repeated restrictions are for our Sussex customers, by this being the fourth ban in five years. Our priority is to restore long-term resilience to break this cycle. We’re actively developing new water sources to build a more resilient supply for your community and to secure our water future."

“I would like to thank everyone who has already taken steps to try and reduce their overall water use.”

The temporary restrictions will be in force from 00.01 on Saturday, 25 July, however the company is asking customers in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire to respect these restrictions immediately. This will mean that customers should not use hosepipes for watering their gardens, washing cars, patios and boats and for filling swimming and paddling pools.