Hosepipe Ban To Come Into Forces Across Sussex

A temporary hosepipe ban will come into effect from 18 July across Sussex, following record-breaking demand for water and the driest spring since 1893.

Residents are being urged to stop using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows and patios, or filling paddling pools. The move comes after daily water use hit 680 million litres on 30 June—105 million litres more than average for summer, equivalent to supplying four extra towns the size of Eastbourne.

The ongoing hot and dry weather has significantly reduced reservoir and underground water storage levels, prompting emergency measures to protect supply and avoid wider disruption such as low pressure or outages.

Despite efforts to save water and reduce leaks, supplies have fallen below thresholds set out in the official drought plan. Restrictions will be reviewed regularly and lifted when water levels and demand have stabilised.

Further updates and full restriction details will be published during the week commencing 14 July.