A HOSEPIPE ban has been introduced by South East Water as record-breaking demand and exceptionally dry weather place unprecedented pressure on drinking water supplies across the region.
The company says a prolonged dry spell, combined with what is expected to be the third heatwave of the summer, has pushed raw water storage levels beyond ‘critical thresholds’. The ban will commence on 18th July.
Met Office data confirms this spring was the driest since 1893, and forecasts suggest little relief is in sight as dry, hot conditions are set to continue throughout the coming months.
Despite healthy water storage at the start of the year, South East Water reports that since May, levels of untreated water have dropped at an alarming rate, much faster and earlier than normal.
The Temporary Use Ban, commonly known as a hosepipe ban, will restrict domestic use of hosepipes and sprinklers for tasks such as watering gardens, filling paddling pools, or washing cars. The move is aimed at preserving vital resources to ensure sufficient water remains available for drinking, hygiene and firefighting.
David Hinton, Chief Executive Officer, South East Water, said: “Providing the public water supply during this prolonged period of hot and dry weather continues to be challenging. Water supply resources have been significantly stretched, but are pleased that so far we have been able to largely meet customer demands, through balancing our network and putting our newly arrived tanker fleet into operation straight away.
“However, we know that continued demand at this level presents a serious concern to ensure that we can protect the environment and keep everyone supplied. Despite asking for customers’ help to use water for essential uses only, regrettably we’ve now been left with no choice but to introduce this temporary use ban restriction to protect customers supplies and the environment across Kent and Sussex.
“We continue to monitor the long term weather forecast, and will review this decision on a regular basis. 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.
“We are very aware that climate change and other factors are increasing the frequency of these events. Hosepipe restrictions are an integral part of our drought mitigation in the UK and are designed to protect supplies and the environment.
“I would like to thank everyone who has already taken steps to try and reduce their overall water use but despite this, demand still remains very high and the forecast suggests a dry summer is highly likely which is why we have taken this decision to bring in temporary use restrictions.”
Further information on exemptions to restrictions can be viewed on the company’s website at: www.southeastwater.co.uk/tubs
