Everything you need to know about the Sussex hosepipe ban

On Friday, one of Sussex’s water companies announced plans to enforce a hosepipe ban as a result of the recent heatwave. South East Water announced plans to enforce a Temporary Use Ban (TUB) due to low water levels after record-breaking demand.

Though the ban will not be enforced until June 26, South East Water has urged people to refrain from using hoses and sprinklers with immediate effect. The ban affects customers in East Sussex and Kent alongside some parts of West Sussex.

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.

READ MORE: East Sussex hosepipe ban issued as hundreds still without water after heatwave

“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 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. The temporary restrictions, will be enforced from 26 June. This will mean that customers will be prevented from using hosepipes for watering their gardens, washing cars, patios and boats and from filling swimming and paddling pools.

We are very aware that climate change and other factors are increasing the frequency of these events and we are submitting proposals to our regulator, Ofwat to solve these issues. I would like to thank everyone who has already taken steps to try and reduce their overall water use but despite this, demand still remains very high which is why we have taken this decision to bring in temporary use restrictions.”

The Sussex areas where the South East Water hosepipe ban will be in place:

• Bexhill
• Burgess Hill
• Crowborough
• Eastbourne
• East Grinstead
• Hailsham
• Haywards Heath
• Peacehaven
• Seaford
• Uckfield

Where is there not a hosepipe ban?

The ban is only in place for those whose water is provided by South East Water. Southern Water, Portsmouth Water and Thames Water, the water companies responsible for supplying other parts of Sussex, have yet to issue any news on a hosepipe ban.

Thus customers in West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Hastings, Chichester and Bognor will not currently be subjected to a ban. Customers are still urged to use water responsibly.

What can’t you do during a hosepipe ban?

As a result of reservoirs running low across Sussex and Kent, South East Water has outlined exactly what you can’t do from June 26:

• Watering a garden using a hosepipe
• Cleaning a private motor vehicle using a hosepipe
• Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
• Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
• Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
• Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
• Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
• Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
• Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe;
• Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
• Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe

What can you do during a hosepipe ban?

Although you can’t use a hose, you can still water your garden with a watering can, bottle or other methods. Water leftover from doing the washing up or having a bath could also be reused for the garden.

What is the punishment for breaching the ban?

People who attempt to break the rules could be handed a hefty fine. Rule-breakers could be fined as much as £1,000 if they choose to use their outdoor water supply. Hosepipe users could also be prosecuted in a criminal court.

Are there any exemptions to the ban?

Customers do not have to apply for exemptions, however, most categories do contain some sort of exemption. For example, hosepipes can be used when required for unavoidable health and safety reasons, when the welfare of animals would otherwise be affected, and when the hose is not connected to mains water.

Further exemptions are also in place if you have a new lawn, you require the hose for certain kinds of business purposes and certain other uses. For further information on whether you may be exempt, see the South East Water website.

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