South East Water To Extend Hosepipe Ban Across Sussex

South East Water is expanding its water use restrictions across Sussex from Thursday 9 October, removing some exemptions from its existing hosepipe ban.

The company says the changes are needed to protect water supplies and the environment following lower-than-expected rainfall.

From 9 October, vulnerable customers on the company's priority services register will no longer be exempt from the restrictions.

Exemptions will remain for health and safety reasons and animal welfare, but other exemptions, including those covering domestic window cleaning businesses, will be removed.

South East Water has also applied to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for permission to restrict some other non-essential commercial water use.

If approved, the additional restrictions would affect businesses using hosepipes, as well as mechanical car washes.

The company says the measures are part of its drought plan and are intended to ensure there is enough water available for customers in the future.

The restrictions come as water levels at Ardingly Reservoir remain exceptionally low.

The Environment Agency has granted South East Water a drought permit allowing less water to be returned to local rivers from the reservoir, which supplies around 280,000 customers.

The agency says the reservoir is currently just 23% full and has warned the permit alone will not be enough to improve water supply security.

South East Water says it is taking other measures to reduce demand, tackle leaks and bring in water from alternative sources.