A temporary hose pipe ban is being introduced by South East Water - which serves Sussex and Kent.
Drinking water supplies are under significant pressure as record-breaking demand collides with one of the driest periods the region has seen in over a century.
With a third summer heatwave on the horizon, water companies are urging caution as the prolonged dry weather continues to strain resources. According to the Met Office, this spring was the driest since 1893 — and forecasts suggest little relief, with dry conditions set to persist through the warmer months.
The hosepipe ban will come into force on the 14th of July and is thought to affect more than 1.4 million residents, lasting through July and August.
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. Water supply resources have been significantly stretched, but are pleased that so far we have been able to largely meet customer demands, through balancing our network and putting our newly arrived tanker fleet into operation straight away.
“However, we know that continued demand at this level presents a serious concern to ensure that we can protect the environment and keep everyone supplied. 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."
Teenager rescued from sand on beach in West Wittering
£1M+ approved to upgrade council buildings in Chichester
Southsea beach set to double in size
Police appeal after fatal crash near Horley
Plans to build 3,000 homes West of Ifield
Eastbourne day centre may avoid closure
New Road Safety Strategy aims to reduce death and serious injury on West Sussex roads
Appeal following fatal collision in Waterlooville
Armed police in Worthing
Appeal after a woman is injured by a dog in Steyning
On Air