South East Water imposes hosepipe ban for customers in Kent and Sussex

South East Water imposes hosepipe ban for millions of customers in Kent and Sussex TODAY after demand for drinking water hit record levels in June

• It follows earlier bans in Devon and Cornwall enacted due to drought  

Households across Kent and Sussex could face £1000 fines if they use their hose pipes from day after South East Water’s hosepipe ban came into effect as part of emergency measures to meet demands for drinking water. 

The measures taken in the South East mirror those that have been in effect throughout Devon and Cornwall since April after South West Water introduced a ban to help the region cope with drought. 

The new restrictions mean millions of customers across the south east will now be forced to ration their water supply as ‘customer demand for treated water [has] reach record levels’ over the ‘prolonged period of dry weather.’

 The ‘temporary usage ban’ was announced by the company on June 16, but could only come officially into effect ten days later on June 26. 

Under the new rules, almost 2.2million residents will no longer be able to use waterpipes to water their garden or clean their cars.

Four counties across Britain have been slapped by hose pipe bans due to warm weather 

Under the new regulations customers will be prevented from using hosepipes in their garden 

Should they be caught breaking any of these new rules they could be hit by fines of up to £1000. 

On their website, South East Water lists a few exemptions to the ban including the watering of sports fields outside peak usage hours and ‘the watering of new lawns at domestic premises, where this cannot reasonably be undertaken with a watering can and the turf was laid before the on set of the ban.’ 

What does a hosepipe ban mean?

On their website, South East Water state: ‘The hosepipe ban affects everyone whose water is supplied by us in Kent and Sussex, even if you pay your bill to another company (such as our business customers).

‘”A hosepipe” means anything designed, adapted or used to serve the same purpose as a hosepipe.

‘The temporary restrictions will mean that you will not be able to use hosepipes for watering your gardens, washing cars, patios and boats and filling swimming and paddling pools.

‘This will be enforced from 26 June.’

Speaking to customers, David Hinton, Chief Executive Officer, South East Water, said: ‘This situation has developed much more rapidly than last year. Understandably, we’ve seen customer demand increase in line with the hotter weather, however this has impacted our ability to keep all customers in supply at all times. 

‘Despite asking for customers help to use water for essential uses only, regretably we’ve now been left with no choice by to introduce this temporary use ban restriction to protect customers supplies across Kent and Sussex. 

‘The long-term forecast for the rest of the summer is for a dry period with little rainfall, although temperatures may reduce slightly. 

‘Restricting the use of hosepipes and sprinklers to make sure we have enough water for our customers’ essential use, will ensure we can serve our vulnerable customers and to protect the local environment.’

In the South West, a hosepipe ban has been in place since April due to the region being affected by drought. 

People living in Cornwall and Devon have been unable to use their hoses or sprinklers on the risk of fines  

A spokesman for South East Water told MailOnline they were only asking for ‘people’s help’ and that the £1000 fines were not something they enjoyed giving out. 

They said: ‘We find our customers are very supportive and understanding of the need to save water. 

‘If a customer contravenes the prohibition, it is an offence, and if convicted, the customer could face a fine of up to £1000.

‘However, prosecution is very much a last resort and something no company wants to have to do. 

‘Instead, we are asking for people’s help as we are restoring our water levels.’

Source: Read Full Article