Hosepipe ban to be imposed on millions more homes in England after driest July on record

Just like the record-breaking year of 1976, parts of Britain are now facing a hosepipe ban

Water supplier South East Water have announced a temporary ban on hosepipes and sprinkler usage following the UK's recent breaking heatwave and increasingly dry conditions. The restriction of hosepipes and sprinklers comes into effect on August 12 across the regions of Kent and Sussex and is set to affect more than 2.2 million people. This comes after more than 1.5 million living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were informed of a similar ban from Southern Water beginning on August 5. Speaking in a statement, SEW said that the decision was made in response to "extreme weather conditions across the UK" and with water reserves already being pushed, the aim is to "ensure we have enough water for both essential use and to protect the environment". They went on to explain that "official figures show this is the driest July on record since 1935", adding that the period between November 2021 and July 2022 has been "the driest eight-month stint" since the infamous summer of 1976". The South East, specifically, has only seen eight per cent of its average rainfall for the month; moreover, both August and September are expected to be similar and the company are already producing over 120 million litres of additional water to meet demands - estimated to be the equivalent of the daily usage for four towns roughly the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne. This is the first time in nearly that such bans have been brought in since 1995. Those found flouting the restriction could face prosecution and be fined up to £1,000. SEW being the second company to announce such measures, there are now fears that other providers like could follow suit.

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