South East Water hosepipe ban to affect 2.4 million people
South East Water has expanded a hosepipe ban to cover 2.4 million people across southern England due to record-breaking temperatures and low rainfall. The company faces criticism from local MPs regarding infrastructure underinvestment and poor water management.
Why it matters
The ban underscores the increasing strain on UK water infrastructure caused by climate change and historical lack of investment.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, South East Water says it is extending its hosepipe ban across Kent to Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire
A hosepipe ban has been expanded to cover 2.4 million people across the south of England after record-breaking temperatures.
South East Water's ban now includes parts of Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire - an extra 1.5m customers. A ban in parts of Kent has been in force since 3 July .
Douglas Whitfield, SEW's water supply director, said it was "deeply sorry" and "incredibly grateful to everyone helping us protect water supplies" after exceptionally hot and dry weather.
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde said he was "appalled", calling it "the direct result of years of underinvestment in upgrading infrastructure and building resilience".
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