Hosepipe bans comes into place for another 1,400,000 South East Water customers
The water company say the driest spring in the region since 1893 has left them with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers.
The ban does not yet impact customers in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, but the situation there is being closely monitored.
South East Water say the ban will begin to be enforced from Friday July 18 and will announce further details next week.
The ban has been announced on the same day a hosepipe ban came into effect in Yorkshire after it was announced by Yorkshire Water earlier this week.
David Hinton, Chief Executive Officer, South East Water, said: 'Providing the public water supply during this prolonged period of hot and dry weather continues to be challenging. More Trending
'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.
'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.
'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.
'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.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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