South East Water Hosepipe Ban 2025: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Facing one of the driest springs in over a century, South East Water has imposed a hosepipe ban on customers in Kent and Sussex to safeguard supplies. Announced on 11 July 2025, the ban takes effect at 00:01 on 18 July and restricts most uses of mains‑fed hosepipes (South East Water, ITVX). Below, we cover the ban’s timeline, the rules on prohibited activities, the exemptions that apply, enforcement, and practical tips for conserving water.

1. Timeline and Area Covered

• Announcement: 11 July 2025 at 09:00 GMT via local press, social media, email, and SMS (South East Water).
• Effective From: 00:01 on 18 July 2025 (South East Water).
• Areas Affected: All South East Water customers in Kent and Sussex (1.4 million people). Customers in Surrey, Hampshire, and parts of Berkshire remain exempt for now (ITVX, Time Out Worldwide).

2. Why the Ban?

Record‑high temperatures and very low rainfall through spring and early summer have left reservoirs and rivers at critically low levels. With demand surging for garden watering and outdoor uses, the ban is a key measure in South East Water’s drought plan to ensure everyone retains access to drinking water.

3. Prohibited Uses

From 18 July, you must not use a hosepipe to:

• Water domestic gardens, lawns, or ornamental plants
• Wash private vehicles (cars, vans, bikes)
• Fill or top up paddling pools, swimming pools, or hot tubs
• Clean patios, driveways, paths, or building exteriors
• Fill decorative fountains or man‑made ponds (unless fish are present)

Any breach risks a £1,000 fine under Section 36 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

4. Key Exemptions

Despite the general ban, limited hosepipe use is allowed in these cases:

• Newly Laid/Sown Lawns and New Planting
  • Turf or plants installed at domestic premises before 18 July may be watered by hose for 4 weeks post‑installation, if not reasonably possible by watering can (South East Water).
• Ornamental Ponds/Fishponds
  • Hosepipe top‑ups allowed for ponds containing live fish or aquatic animals (South East Water).
• Drip/Trickle Irrigation Systems
  • Mains‑fed systems with a pressure reducing valve and timer, delivering water drip by drip beneath the soil surface (no spray or jet) (South East Water).

All other uses of mains‑fed hosepipes remain banned.

5. Enforcement and Compliance

South East Water will monitor compliance and may issue warnings or fixed‑penalty notices. Enforcement officers and local authorities have the power to fine up to £1,000 for breaches. Most customers receive an initial warning, with fines reserved for repeat offenders.

6. Practical Water‑Saving Tips

Even if your area is exempt, conserving water helps delay further restrictions:

• Use Watering Cans: Swap hoses for cans or buckets.
• Harvest Rainwater: Install a water butt to capture roof runoff.
• Reuse Greywater: Direct bath or washing machine rinse water onto non‑edible plants.
• Fix Leaks Promptly: A dripping tap can waste over 5 L per day.
• Mulch Planting Beds: A 5 cm layer retains soil moisture and cuts evaporation.