Help Us Protect Our Water Resources

As we face another period of intense heat with temperatures forecast to reach up to 30°C, South East Water is experiencing near-record demand for treated drinking water. On 8 July alone, demand spiked to 658 million litres—70 million litres above the July average. This sustained pressure has put our treated water network under serious stress.

A Temporary Use Ban (TUB), or hosepipe restriction, came into force for domestic customers in Kent on 3 July 2026. While these restrictions primarily target household activities, we are asking Kent businesses to act now and use water extra wisely to help ensure a continuous supply for everyone.

📋 How Kent Businesses Can Help Reduce Demand

Small operational adjustments within local businesses can have a major impact on reducing the strain on regional water storage tanks. We are strongly encouraging members to consider the following:

• Shift High-Use Operations: If possible, reduce or move heavy water-use processes outside of peak demand hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
• Review Operational Setups: Actively audit business setups to identify temporary water-saving opportunities.
• Engage Employees: Reinforce smart water practices with staff and encourage them to report any workplace leaks immediately.

🛑 Clarification on the Temporary Use Ban (TUB) for Businesses

To avoid confusion, we want to clarify that most commercial activities are exempt from the ban to minimize adverse economic impacts. However, any hosepipe, sprinkler, pressure washer, or irrigation system connected directly to the mains water supply is restricted unless a specific exemption applies.

Key Commercial Exemptions & Alternatives:

• Commercial Cleaning Services: Using a hosepipe is permitted if the cleaning is done as a service to customers in the course of a business, or to clean public service, goods, or commercial vehicles (excluding standard taxis).
• Agricultural & Commercial Growing: Watering plants, crops, vegetables, or fruit grown for commercial use, sale, or National Plant Collections remains exempt.
• Sports & Recreation: Using a hosepipe to water the active playing strip or area for sport or recreation is allowed.
• Alternative Systems: Businesses can seamlessly maintain operations by using manually carried watering cans/buckets, water collected in water butts/recycling systems, or non-handheld drip/trickle irrigation systems fitted with a timer and pressure-reducing valve.

(Note: Our restrictions in Kent are tailored to specific local network pressures and may vary from restrictions introduced by neighbouring wholesalers like Southern Water.)

🔄 Staying Informed Together

To keep the business community well-supported through the summer months, South East Water will begin sending regular updates to non-households (NHH) and businesses across our supply area to outline the water supply situation and clarify any future restrictions.

👉 Subscribe to the NHH Newsletter

Thank you for your invaluable support in helping us keep the taps flowing across Kent.