South East Water announces hosepipe ban for 2.4 million customers after UK heatwaves

South East Water has imposed a hosepipe ban affecting 2.4 million customers in parts of Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire following extended periods of extreme heat and minimal rainfall. The restriction, effective from Saturday, prohibits the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, washing vehicles, patios, boats, and filling swimming pools. This follows similar measures introduced by other major water suppliers such as Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Southern Water, and Affinity Water, all responding to heightened water demand and reduced rainfall. The decision comes after a prolonged dry spell, with central and south-east England experiencing the longest continuous period without recorded rainfall this century. According to the Met Office, there were 14 consecutive days with zero rainfall, starting from July 2 to July 15. This surpasses the previous record for south-east England, which was a 15-day stretch in April 1997. For central England, the current streak matches the longest recorded in June 1996, with data for July 16 still pending. Water levels in reservoirs across England are currently at 79% capacity, five percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year, according to the Environment Agency's recent drought report. Six reservoirs are classified as having notably low levels, including Wimbleball in Somerset, Grafham in Cambridgeshire, and Hanningfield in Essex. Blagdon Reservoir in Somerset is categorized as exceptionally low. South East Water cited declining river levels and the need to protect groundwater sources as reasons for the ban. The company emphasized that its primary concern is ensuring sufficient water supply for essential uses such as drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Douglas Whitfield, the water supply director at South East Water, expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the restrictions and thanked customers for their cooperation in preserving water resources. The situation has intensified as the UK has already recorded 28 days in 2026—both consecutive and non-consecutive, where temperatures exceeded 30°C. These include seven days in May, eight in June, and 13 in July. The record for the highest number of 30°C-plus days in a single year stands at 34, achieved in 1995. Dr. Doug Parr, chief scientist at Greenpeace UK, criticized the water companies for wasting nearly three billion liters of water daily through leaks. He called for urgent action to address the issue of water security, emphasizing the role of fossil fuel emissions in exacerbating extreme weather conditions. He urged the incoming Burnham government to mandate repairs and upgrades to the water infrastructure and to combat the pollution contributing to extreme heat and drought. The hosepipe ban reflects broader concerns about managing water resources amidst increasing climatic challenges. As the UK faces more frequent and intense heatwaves, the pressure on water utilities to balance supply and demand becomes ever more critical. The measures taken by South East Water and others highlight the growing necessity for adaptive strategies to ensure sustainable water management in the face of environmental changes.