New hosepipe ban for millions as heatwave hits UK
Water companies said they've 'been left with no choice'
Temperatures are expected to soar this weekend
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto )
As the searing heatwave continues, millions more people across Britain are to face a hosepipe ban. South East Water is set to impose restrictions from July 18, promising further clarity in the coming days.
The ban follows on the heels of similar prohibitions already in place in some regions today, as temperatures are expected to soar up to a sizzling 33°C. The firm has stated that it has "been left with no choice" but to take this step in order to safeguard water resources.
Brits are now faced with restrictions on using hosepipes for various activities, including garden watering, car washing, cleaning windows and patios, and filling pools, reports the Mirror.
David Hinton, chief executive officer of South East Water, said: "Providing the public water supply during this prolonged period of hot and dry weather continues to be challenging."
He further explained: "Despite asking for customers' help to use water for essential uses only, regrettably we've now been left with no choice but to introduce this temporary use ban restriction to protect customers supplies and the environment across Kent and Sussex."
"The temporary restrictions, announced today, will mean customers will be prevented from using hosepipes for watering their gardens, washing cars, windows and patios, or filling swimming and paddling pools."
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Recognising long-term impacts, he added: "We are very aware that climate change and other factors are increasing the frequency of these events. Hosepipe restrictions are an integral part of our drought mitigation in the UK and are designed to protect supplies and the environment."
Yorkshire residents are facing a hosepipe ban following a prolonged spell of hot and arid weather across England, with the mercury expected to rise even higher over the forthcoming weekend.
Customers of Yorkshire Water risk fines of up to £1,000 for flouting the ban although the company stated: "we hope it won't come to that" as it appeals to the public to comply with the rules and support water conservation efforts.
This directive is issued alongside a yellow heat health warning for all regions of England, effective until July 15.
The alert from the UK Health Security Agency signals an increased likelihood of heat-related mortality, notably among individuals over 65 or those with existing health issues, due to elevated temperatures.
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell commented on the forecast by saying: "For the next three days or so, high pressure is in charge across the UK, bringing in relatively settled conditions.
"For most of the UK, it will be dry, sunny and warm. The temperatures will probably peak either Friday or Saturday, with highs potentially of 32°C or 33°C."
He added: "As we go into Sunday, the eastern half of the UK might start to just cool down a tad. It's still going to be very warm, but could jump down a degree or two.
"In the second half of the weekend some coastal areas, like the North Sea coast, may turn a little bit murky at times, but the weekend is generally hot and sunny for most parts of the country.
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"That will obviously come with very high UV levels for most of us and also very high grass pollen levels, so not great news for hayfever sufferers."
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