Due to an unprecedented rise in water demand in June, restrictions on the use of hosepipes and sprinklers have been imposed in Kent and Sussex until further notice. The move is intended to ensure adequate water for essential use and environmental protection. The temporary ban, announced on 16 June 2023 at 09:00, will be in effect from 00:01 on 26 June 2023.
The high demand across the region has resulted in several water supply issues across the network, with customers in certain areas of Kent and Sussex resorting to bottled water when mains supplies were interrupted. This exceptional demand has been compounded by a lack of rainfall over the past few weeks and power outages during electrical storms, affecting the water treatment process.
The measures are expected to help reduce demand, maintain essential supplies, and allow time to treat and pump more water through the network. Currently, up to 138 million litres of additional water per day are being supplied to the region, which is equivalent to supplying four towns the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne.
“We entered the dry period in May with our raw water stocks in a good position,” said a spokesperson for the water supplier. “Our challenge was to ensure that we could treat raw water quickly enough to keep up with customer demand. We’re taking this action now to prevent these stocks from decreasing further ahead of the expected rains in the autumn and winter.”
Despite calls for voluntary restraint, the demand for water has remained high. The average daily water inflow to the network is 540 Ml/D; however, in June, this peaked at 678 Ml/D and has consistently stayed above 620 Ml/D, equivalent to serving an additional four towns the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne.
In contrast, supply areas in Berkshire and Hampshire, while experiencing an increase in demand, have not encountered the same water supply issues as Kent and Sussex. Therefore, these regions can continue with a voluntary restraint approach.
A concession has been granted to businesses that use hosepipes as an integral part of their commercial operations, such as car washes and window cleaners. All other businesses will need to comply with the restrictions.
The water demand has been exacerbated by a series of warm days in May and June with little rainfall. The region typically supplies 540 million litres of water a day during summertime, but demand peaked at 678 million litres over the hottest weekend in June and has remained above 631 million litres a day since then.
Efforts are being made to reduce water leakage, which is affected by natural wear and tear on the network, seasonal changes, and extreme weather events. A commitment has been made to reduce the amount of water lost to leaks both on the network and in customers’ homes by 15 per cent between 2020 and 2025.
Restrictions on the use of hosepipes do not apply to activities necessary for human or animal health or safety or disease control. These include animal drinking and living requirements, which means hosepipes can still be used for these purposes. Private pools, however, can only be filled with a hosepipe if the pool is under construction, used for medical or veterinary treatment, or inhabited by fish or aquatic animals.
In line with the Water Industry Act and the Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order 2010, violating the prohibition could lead to a fine of up to £1000. However, prosecution is seen as a last resort. The emphasis is on seeking people’s cooperation to restore water levels during this critical period.
