Two major water companies have introduced mandatory hosepipe bans across parts of southern England to address critically low river levels following record-breaking summer heatwaves.
South East Water implemented its restriction covering 850,000 customers in Kent on Friday, July 3, 2026.
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Southern Water's ban for over one million customers will take effect on July 10.
Southern Water stated that the River Test has lost a third of its flow within the last month.
Overall river levels are 25 percent lower than expected for this time of year.
“The warmest spring on record, followed by a record-breaking heatwave, has left river levels 25 per cent lower than expected,” the company announced.
“The River Test has lost a third of its water within the last month, putting pressure on our ability to treat and supply your water.”
The temporary use ban prohibits customers from using hosepipes to water gardens, clean vehicles, fill swimming pools, or wash outdoor surfaces.
Violators face fines of up to £1,000.
Tania Flasck, Director of Water Operations at Southern Water, said the drop in river levels occurred faster than anticipated.
“In June, we've actually seen a third of the flow and so the models have just not necessarily predicted that,” she said.
This marks the first time Southern Water has introduced consecutive annual bans. A previous emergency conservation order ran from mid-July until late October in 2025.
Southern Water reported cutting leaks by almost a quarter in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
