South East Water imposes hosepipe ban after Kent and Sussex water shortages

Restrictions will begin on 26 June, stopping customers watering gardens, washing cars and filling paddling pools

South East Water is introducing a hosepipe ban amid shortages in Kent and Sussex. Schools in the region have been forced to close during the warm weather and bottled water stations have been set up as the utility company said demand for drinking water had reached “record levels”.

The company said the temporary hosepipe restrictions would come into force from 26 June. It means customers cannot water their gardens, wash cars, boats or patios and are banned from filling paddling or swimming pools.