Hosepipe ban: How will it affect me in Sussex and Kent?
What is a hosepipe ban?
A hosepipe ban, also known as a Temporary Use Ban, is a restriction on using hosepipes imposed by water companies to try and save water during periods of high demand or low supply.South East Water's ban means that people living in certain areas are not allowed to use a hosepipe to:Water a garden or plantsWash a car, patio or boatFill a swimming pool, paddling pool or hot tubMaintain or fill a domestic pond or ornamental fountainThis is to ensure enough water is saved for drinking, for those who are vulnerable and for essential use.Anyone breaking these rules could be fined up to £1,000.
Areas in the South East affected?
Areas in Kent and Sussex with hosepipe restrictions include:Ashford (Kent)CanterburyEastbourneHaywards HeathHeathfieldMaidstoneSevenoaksTunbridge WellsUckfieldWhitstablePeople in Farnham, Frimley and Camberley are also being asked to reduce their morning and evening water use to prevent low pressure issues at peak times.On when the ban will be lifted, South East Water said: "It is likely that it will continue until we are confident that the demand for water has reduced back to manageable levels."Southern Water, SES Water, and Affinity Water previously told the BBC they do not expect to introduce water use restrictions, such as hosepipe bans, in 2025.
Hosepipe exemptions?
South East Water says some exemptions apply for when hosepipes may be used:To provide a service to customers, including for crop farming and car, boat or window washing businessesWhen topping up a fishpond where the welfare of the fish depends on itTo fill pools needed for medical treatmentWhen watering a new lawn within 28 days of it being laidTo fill a fountain used for religious practicesWhen it is not connected to mains water, such as using a water butt
Why are hosepipe bans happening?
The South East, in addition to other areas across the UK, has experienced an extended period of warm and dry weather.Spring in 2025 proved to be the second driest on record for England and the sixth overall across the UK.New analysis shows that spring is the fastest-warming season in the United Kingdom largely down to climate change.A report by Climate Central, a climate research organisation, has found that all four seasons are warming but at different rates.
An expert in Earth's water, Dr Jess Neumann from the University of Reading, says despite some recent heavy downpours, there has not been enough rain to compensate for recent heatwaves."Whilst groundwater levels are currently normal in the region, it takes much longer for rainfall to reach groundwater stores compared with rivers and reservoirs," Dr Neumann said.The South East is largely reliant these groundwater sources rather than reservoirs.South East Water said it saw the highest levels of water usage so far on 30 June, reaching 680 million litres - over 105 million litres of water a day more than the summer average.The water provider says it is taking action to prevent its water stocks from depleting further, being concerned over the impact further extraction will have on the environment.
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