Hosepipe ban for Kent comes into force
Getty ImagesA hosepipe ban put in place by South East Water (SEW) for its customers in Kent has officially come into force.
The temporary measure starts from Friday, although the company's 850,000 consumers across the county had already been told last month to adhere to it "immediately".
The ban is in response to high temperatures and record demand for water across Kent, SEW said.
The decision has frustrated many residents, with one labelling the ban "despicable" while others have refused to report neighbours who flout it.
What is not allowed under the hosepipe ban?
Some of the things customers have been told to avoid include:
- Watering a garden or plants using a hosepipe
- Cleaning a private vehicle
- Filling pools, ponds and fountains
- Cleaning walls, windows, paths and patios
South East WaterIs anyone exempt?
Businesses that use hosepipes as a core part of their commercial operations do not have to adhere to the ban, SEW says.
The company gave the examples of car washes and window cleaners.
However, all other businesses that do not rely on hosepipes will need to comply with restrictions.
Is there a hosepipe ban in my area?
SEW said its temporary hosepipe ban applied to all customers across its Kent supply area.
It is not being implemented in Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire or Surrey.
But the company said it was monitoring the situation "closely" in those areas.
How is the hosepipe ban enforced?
Water companies are allowed to prohibit uses of water during times of serious water shortage under the Water Industry Act, and this includes the use of hosepipes.
SEW said contravening the ban was a convictable offence, which could lead to fines of up to £1,000.
"Prosecution is very much a last resort and something no company wants to have to do," the company said on its website.
When will the hosepipe ban end?
SEW said it was keeping its hosepipe ban in Kent "under constant review".
"It is likely that it will continue until we are confident that the demand for water has reduced back to manageable levels," the company added.
"This really is just a temporary measure to help us in these very unusual circumstances."
What has SEW said about the hosepipe ban?
SEW's chief executive David Hinton said the heatwave meant drinking water was being taken from its storage tanks faster than it could be treated and refilled.
"To make sure we can maintain a consistent public water service and protect essential supplies for hygiene, drinking and cooking for everyone, especially our vulnerable customers, we must reduce overall demand," it added.
Hinton, who resigned in May following supply issues but remained in the post to allow for an "orderly transition", said he recognised customers' frustrations due to the ban.
"We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone helping us protect Kent's water."
