More than 11 million households across England are now banned from using hosepipes — with fines of up to £1,000 — as South East Water becomes the latest supplier to impose restrictions on 2.4 million customers in four counties.
The company said the temporary ban would come into force from Saturday in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, after lower than average rainfall, hot weather and high demand for water led to a decline in river levels.
“South East Water bans hosepipes for 2.4m customers in four counties from Saturday amid longest dry spell this century.”
Douglas Whitfield, water supply director at South East Water, said: “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.”
It comes as central and south-east England have experienced the longest unbroken spell of no recorded rainfall this century, according to Met Office figures, with temperatures reaching 35C last month.
However, some customers will be exempt: Blue Badge holders, those on the Priority Services Register, and anyone using a hose for medical purposes. Hosepipes can also be used to water newly-laid turf four weeks after installation, to clean pets, and to fill fish ponds.
On Friday, Affinity Water and Cambridge Water announced similar measures, affecting residents across Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey and parts of London.
Anyone caught flouting the ban risks a fine of £1,000.
