South East Water’s hosepipe ban is being extended across Sussex as the firm introduces temporary restrictions for millions more customers following weeks of exceptionally dry weather.
Initially SEW introduced a ban for its Kent customers only but has now decided to extend the ban to cover Sussex and the rest of its supply area, affecting around 2.4 million people.
The restrictions come shortly after the firm was fined more than £30million by the regulator Ofwat for numerous outages, and after the Chief Executive and Chairman both resigned after MPs published a highly critical report which slated the company.
This is the fourth hosepipe ban in five years for SEW customers in Sussex and it will come into force at 12.01am on Saturday, although customers are being urged to stop using hosepipes immediately.
The company said the decision had been taken because of lower than average rainfall, continued hot weather and a significant increase in demand for water.
The temporary use ban means customers will not be allowed to use hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, filling paddling pools or cleaning patios and driveways.
Those who fail to comply could face enforcement action, although the company says it will initially focus on raising awareness and encouraging customers to follow the rules.
SEW said introducing the restrictions would help protect water supplies and ensure there is enough water available for essential everyday use while dry conditions continue.