South East Water imposes hosepipe restrictions in four counties

South East Water will ban the use of hosepipes for customers in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire beginning at one minute past midnight on July 25, 2026. The restrictions will join an existing ban already in place in Kent. The company supplies 2.3 million customers and cited lower-than-average rainfall, continued hot weather, and high demand as reasons for the move.

It said river levels and groundwater sources have declined and that the measures are needed to protect supplies and the local environment.

reservoir data Central and south-east England recorded no measurable rainfall for more than 14 consecutive days between July 2 and July 15, the longest such period in the regions since the 1990s. Sussex has received 55 percent of average rainfall since March, while the remaining three counties have received 64 percent.

Data collected on July 12 showed storage levels at the two largest reservoirs in the company's area at 77 percent and 79.9 percent. The company said the current levels are within normal seasonal ranges and typically rise again between October and April.

Sussex, the company said it has paused taking water from one river to protect its flow, which has contributed to a drop in reservoir levels. In the other three counties, officials pointed to low levels in the River Thames and stress on underground aquifers.

The company urged customers in the affected areas to follow the restrictions immediately to protect supplies. The ban will remain in force until further notice.