South East Water has confirmed a significant extension of its temporary hosepipe ban, now encompassing customers across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire. This measure, which will be legally enforced from 00:01 on Saturday, July 25, 2026, asks residents to immediately cease using hosepipes for non-essential activities.
What Changed and Why
The decision to extend the ban follows an initial restriction for Kent customers, which began on July 3, 2026. South East Water cites a combination of factors for this necessary step, including sustained high temperatures and near-record demand for treated drinking water.
The South East region has experienced its second heatwave of the year, coupled with significantly lower than average rainfall. From March to May, the area received only 36% of its normal rainfall, and since March, just over half the expected rainfall has been recorded across all South East Water's supply areas. This has led to critically low river levels, such as the River Cuckmere in Sussex, and increased reliance on reservoirs like Arlington, which has subsequently seen its levels drop.
Water demand reached 687 million litres on June 24, 2026, nearly 100 million litres per day more than the average for June. Douglas Whitfield, Water Supply Director at South East Water, stated, "Our absolute priority has to be making sure there is always enough water for everyone's essential daily needs: drinking, cooking and hygiene."
Who is Affected and What You Cannot Do
The extended ban impacts approximately 2.4 million people across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire. This is in addition to the over 850,000 customers already affected in Kent.
Under the Temporary Use Ban (TUB), using a hosepipe for the following activities is prohibited:
- Watering gardens or plants.
- Washing cars, patios, or boats.
- Filling swimming pools or paddling pools.
South East Water is urging all customers in affected areas to respect these restrictions immediately to help protect water supplies.
What this means for you
For many households, especially those who rely on benefits, understanding exemptions and support schemes is crucial during a hosepipe ban. South East Water, like other water companies, offers specific provisions for vulnerable customers and those on low incomes.
If you or someone in your household has medical or mobility needs that prevent them from adapting their water use (for example, using a watering can instead of a hosepipe for essential garden areas), you may be eligible for support through the Priority Services Register (PSR). Being on the PSR can provide extra help, such as bottled water deliveries during supply interruptions, and clearer restriction exemptions are outlined in South East Water's draft Drought Plan 2027-2032.
Additionally, households on certain benefits who have a large family (three or more children under 19 in full-time education) or a medical condition requiring high water use may be eligible for the WaterSure tariff. This scheme caps your water bill, potentially saving money. Eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, and income-related Employment and Support Allowance. If you meet these criteria, it may be worth contacting South East Water to see if you qualify for WaterSure.
What Critics Say
While water companies implement bans to manage demand, concerns have been raised about their own efforts to reduce water waste. Earlier in June 2026, South East Water was reported to be losing over 100 million litres of water per day through leakages. Research by Greenpeace UK in July 2026 further highlighted that water companies in England and Wales collectively waste approximately 2.87 billion litres of water daily through leaky pipes, which is five times more than a nationwide hosepipe ban would save.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Right Now
- **Check Your Area:** Confirm if your property is within the affected Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, or Berkshire regions supplied by South East Water.
- **Stop Hosepipe Use:** Immediately cease using a hosepipe for any of the prohibited activities.
- **Conserve Water:** Focus on essential water use for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Consider shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and only running washing machines or dishwashers with full loads.
- **Review Eligibility for Support:** If you have medical needs or are on eligible benefits, explore registering for the Priority Services Register or applying for the WaterSure tariff. Contact South East Water directly for guidance.
- **Report Leaks:** If you spot a leak in the public network, report it to South East Water.
Where to Get Help
For more information on the hosepipe ban, exemptions, the Priority Services Register, or the WaterSure tariff, please visit the South East Water website or contact their customer service directly.
Sources
- South East Water — Statement on June 25, 2026, regarding Kent ban
- South East Water — Statement on July 20, 2026, regarding extended ban
- South East Water — Draft Drought Plan 2027–2032
- Greenpeace UK — July 2026 research on water company leakages
- Gov.uk — WaterSure scheme eligibility