Over the last few weeks, there has been an increasing number of warm days, with little rainfall.
Typically South East Water supply 540 million litres of water a day during summertime, which is already increased from the usual demand across the rest of the year. Last weekend, demand peaked at 678 million litres of water, a phenomenal 138 million litres of extra water to supply, and has remained above 631 million litres a day, ever since.
South East Water did also experience site power outages during times of electrical storms which affected the use of equipment used to treat water to the standard safe enough for you to drink, however, South East Water do now have every available Water Treatment Works and water source, open and running fully.
Despite this and the efforts we made to prepare for summer, such as increasing the number of storage tanks for clean water and replacing valves, flow meters and installing new pipes so we can move water around more easily, among other measures, it has not been enough for South East Water to keep up with demand.
South East Water have asked our customers to only use water for essential purposes, and we would like to thank all who have taken steps to try to reduce overall water use, unfortunately, it has not been enough to reduce demand to a typical level.
Therefore, they have been left with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers in Kent and Sussex until further notice - this is also referred to as a Temporary Usage Ban or TUBs.
South East Water are taking this action to ensure we have enough water for both essential uses and to protect the environment.
This means that all domestic household customers, unless exempt, are not authorised to use a hosepipe or sprinkler at their homes. If you are exempt, you will receive an email or letter to confirm this.
South East Water are aware there are a number of leaks on the network, we’re working hard to fix these, and are prioritising the most urgent leaks. Hot weather causes the ground to crack so pipes move and burst causing leaks. They have increased our efforts this summer, and there are more resources in the field using innovative technologies to find and fix leaks.
These restrictions are indefinite but the situation will be reviewed every 7 days to determine when we can remove these restrictions.
South East Water said "I am sure you will understand that this decision has not been taken lightly."
Further information on exemptions to restrictions can be viewed on the company’s website at www.southeastwater.co.uk/tubs
For water saving tips along with free water efficiency gadgets go to www.southeastwater.co.uk/savewaterinthesun
For information on the latest water demand levels across the region go to www.southeastwater.co.uk/waterlatest
To sign-up for the company’s Priority Services Register which is available for customers with medical conditions, restricted mobility, additional needs, sight and hearing issues who may need some extra support contact the Customer Care Team on 0800 952 4000 or go to www.southeastwater.co.uk/psr
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