South East Water imposes hosepipe ban across Kent region

South East Water placed an official temporary hosepipe ban into effect covering much of the Kent region. The company also advised customers in Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and Sussex to pause all hosepipe use. A breach of the ban can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The company reported treating 644 million litres of water on Sunday, 56 million litres above its June average.

Heat warnings and demand The Met Office recorded a provisional high of 36.1C at Gosport in Hampshire on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 35.6C set in 1976. It issued a red weather warning for areas including London, Swansea, Somerset and Birmingham from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday, along with an amber warning covering all of Wales and England as far north as Blackpool from Monday to Thursday.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway said red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and noted consecutive nights with temperatures remaining above 20C.

Water company responses Wessex Water asked customers to limit use, stating grass will recover after hot spells. Affinity Water advised customers outside Greater London to use water wisely this week. National Drought Group chair and Environment Agency director of water Helen Wakeham said the UK enters summer in a generally favourable position but urged everyone to remain mindful of water use during heatwaves.