People in Kent and Sussex asked to use water only for essentials after outages
Residents in Kent and Sussex are being urged to limit their water usage to essential needs due to increased demand amid extreme heat. South East Water reported a surge in consumption, with 670 million liters used on Monday alone, significantly above average. Although there have been water outages affecting hundreds of homes, the company has not yet implemented a temporary ban on non-essential water use.
- ▪South East Water has requested customers to use water only for drinking, washing, and cooking.
- ▪The demand for water surged to 670 million liters on Monday, nearly 100 million liters more than average.
- ▪Customers are advised to avoid using hosepipes, sprinklers, and jet washes to conserve water.
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Ardingly reservoir in West Sussex. South East customers have been asked to use water only for drinking, washing and cooking. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The GuardianView image in fullscreenArdingly reservoir in West Sussex. South East customers have been asked to use water only for drinking, washing and cooking. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The GuardianWater industryPeople in Kent and Sussex asked to use water only for essentials after outagesSouth East Water says demand has jumped owing to extreme heat but stops short of compulsory measuresSandra LavilleTue 26 May 2026 12.26 EDTLast modified on Tue 26 May 2026 12.27 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMembers of the public have been asked to use water only for essential purposes by South East Water after demand surged on Monday to 100m…
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