By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-07-20 08:20:39 | Updated at 2026-08-15 10:28:57
3 weeks ago
A new hosepipe ban has been imposed on millions of customers across the south of England following a continuous dry spell of weather.
The restrictions imposed by South East Water will impact Britons in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire in addition to a ban already placed on residents in Kent.
Residents have been told to immediately begin reserving water with the ban coming into force officially on July 25 at one minute past midnight.
Central and south-east England have experienced more than 14 consecutive days without measurable rainfall between 2 and 15 July, marking the longest dry spell in both regions since the 1990s.
South East Water wrote on its website: "Due to lower than average rainfall, continued hot weather and high demand, we’ve started to see a decline in river levels and need to protect some groundwater sources.
"This means we must now introduce hosepipe restrictions in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire to join Kent where there are already restrictions.
"We’re urging everyone across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire who’s supplied by us to please follow these restrictions straight away, to protect your water supply immediately, and the local environment.
"The restrictions will be in force from 00:01 on Saturday 25 July 2026. In Kent, hosepipe restrictions came into force from 00:01 on Friday 3 July 2026."
The new restrictions will impact residents in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire
PA
Giving a further explanation in each area, the company which supplies 2.3 million customers, said the Sussex restrictions were imposed due to a drop in the Arlington Reservoir, whereas the restrictions were imposed in other areas due to strain on the aquifers.
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