Hosepipe Ban Expanded to Cover 2.4 Million People in Southern England
Quick Look
- South East Water has expanded its hosepipe ban to include parts of Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, affecting an additional 1.5 million customers, bringing the total to 2.4 million people in southern England.
- The ban, effective Saturday, follows record-breaking temperatures and has drawn criticism from local MP Josh Babarinde regarding underinvestment in infrastructure.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
A hosepipe ban by South East Water has been expanded to cover 2.4 million people across the south of England following record-breaking temperatures, with a ban already in force in parts of Kent since 3 July. The UK record for the hottest day in June was broken for a third day in a row last month, reaching 37.3C.
A hosepipe ban has been expanded to cover 2.4 million people across the south of England after record-breaking temperatures.
South East Water's ban now includes parts of Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire - an extra 1.5m customers. A ban in parts of Kent has been in force since 3 July.
Douglas Whitfield, SEW's water supply director, said it was "deeply sorry" and "incredibly grateful to everyone helping us protect water supplies" after exceptionally hot and dry weather.
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde said he was "appalled", calling it "the direct result of years of underinvestment in upgrading infrastructure and building resilience".
Under the restrictions, households in the affected area will be banned from using a hosepipe in their homes for tasks including cleaning, filling ponds, or watering plants.
The ban will officially come in from 00:01 BST on Saturday, but SEW has asked its customers to abide by the restrictions immediately.
The UK record for the hottest day in June was broken for a third day in a row last month, with temperatures reaching 37.3C, the Met Office said.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The hosepipe ban will officially come into effect for affected households on Saturday, 00:01 BST.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What is the expected duration of the hosepipe ban?
- What are the specific penalties for violating the ban?
- What long-term plans are in place to address water infrastructure issues?
