South East Water Hosepipe Ban Status 2026
Published: June 24, 2026
South East Water has issued a voluntary advisory asking customers in Kent and Sussex to stop using hosepipes during the Met Office Red Heat Warning period. No formal TUB has been declared yet. Ardingly reservoir is below normal seasonal level. The company has previously stated Ardingly is unlikely to fully recover even with a full winter rainfall.
Coverage Area
South East Water serves Kent and parts of Sussex (separate from Southern Water in the same regions), covering approximately Approximately 2.3 million.
Primary postcode areas: ME, CT, TN, BN, RH, GU, BR. Use the postcode lookup tool (coming soon) to confirm your supplier.
Ownership: Private (Australian Utilities Trust). Official site: South East Water Ltd.
Reservoir Snapshot
South East Water’s primary reservoirs feeding the service area:
- Ardingly
- Bough Beech
- Bewl Water (shared with Southern)
South East England has been the worst-affected drought region in 2026. Ardingly and Bewl Water storage entered summer 2026 well below summer-readiness target. South East Water customers face elevated TUB risk if the heatwave extends and voluntary restraint is insufficient.
For current reservoir percentages, see the Environment Agency monthly water situation reports at gov.ukand the company’s own drought management plan.
What is Banned, What is Allowed
No restrictions; the advisory asks for voluntary restraint.
Fines and Reporting
Maximum fine: No fines: this is a voluntary advisory.
A voluntary advisory carries no legal penalty. South East Water reserves the right to escalate to a formal TUB if demand continues unmoderated.
Reporting channel: No reporting channel: voluntary advisory only.
UK Lawn Care During South East Water Restrictions
A voluntary advisory does not legally restrict hosepipe use, but voluntary restraint extends the window before formal restrictions become necessary. Use watering can over hosepipe. Raise mower to 50 to 60 millimetres. Stop fertilising. Allow some browning.
For full UK lawn-care guidance during a hosepipe ban, see our UK lawn care under hosepipe ban guide (forthcoming). US-focused techniques that translate to UK cool-season grasses are available at keep your lawn alive under water restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a hosepipe ban in Kent and Sussex right now?
No formal Temporary Use Ban has been declared by South East Water, but the company has issued a voluntary advisory asking customers to stop using hosepipes during the Met Office Red Heat Warning. Voluntary restraint extends the window before a formal TUB becomes necessary.
What is the difference between a TUB and a voluntary advisory?
A TUB is declared under Section 76 of the Water Industry Act 1991 and carries a maximum £1,000 fine for breach. A voluntary advisory has no legal force; the company simply asks customers to restrain hosepipe use to extend the window before a formal TUB becomes necessary.
Could South East Water escalate to a formal TUB?
Yes. If demand continues unmoderated and reservoir levels keep falling, South East Water can move from voluntary advisory to a formal TUB at any time. The company has previously stated Ardingly reservoir is unlikely to fully recover even with full winter rainfall, making the South East England region the highest-risk in the country.
What can I do to help during the South East Water advisory?
Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe for plants. Use a bucket and sponge to wash cars. Skip ornamental fountain features. Take shorter showers. Every household that voluntarily switches to watering can reduces demand on the Ardingly catchment.
Which reservoirs supply South East Water?
South East Water draws primarily from Ardingly, Bough Beech, and Bewl Water (shared with Southern Water). Ardingly is the most-watched indicator because South East Water has stated it is unlikely to fully recover even with a full winter rainfall.
How do I check if my postcode is in South East Water coverage?
South East Water serves parts of the ME, CT, TN, BN, RH, GU, and BR postcode areas. South East Water and Southern Water both operate in some of the same postcode areas, so use the postcode checker on the South East Water website to confirm.
Neighbouring Water Companies
South East Watershares borders with the following water companies. If your postcode straddles a boundary, the neighbouring company’s status may also be relevant:
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Last verified: 2026-06-24. Updates posted as water companies declare, modify, or lift restrictions.