Hosepipe restrictions tighten across Sussex
The decision follows record-breaking heat and low rainfall
South East Water has announced hosepipe exemptions for customers in Sussex are being removed as part of a temporary use ban.
This decision is part of efforts to safeguard both water supplies and the environment, following a period of record-breaking heat and reduced rainfall.
Customers who were previously exempt from hosepipe restrictions must now comply with the updated rules,
er has also applied for a Non-Essential Use Ban (NEUB), aimed at reducing commercial water usage, requiring approval from the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Summer 2026 has been provisionally reported by the Met Office as the hottest on record for the UK, with Sussex itself receiving only 56% of expected rainfall from March to August.
This has left Ardingly Reservoir, which serves 228,000 customers in Haywards Heath and surrounding areas, at just 22.8% capacity, triggering South East Water’s Drought Plan.
Nick Price stressed the importance of maintaining essential water supplies during these conditions: “Our absolute priority is making sure there is always enough water for everyone’s essential daily needs.
"We know that restrictions can cause some concern for some of our customers; however, our priority is to restore long-term resilience to break this cycle.”
Recently, South East Water obtained a Drought Permit, enabling adjustments to water released from Ardingly Reservoir and managing flows in the River Ouse.
Expressing gratitude, Nick Price added: “I would like to thank everyone who has already taken steps to try and reduce their overall water use.”