Millions face tougher water limits from October

Millions of households are set to endure stricter water usage regulations starting October 9, as South East Water implements tighter restrictions on its existing hosepipe ban. This measure, affecting around two million customers, will see the removal of most exemptions previously granted to vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, unless specific health, safety, or welfare reasons necessitate continued use.

The decision by South East Water follows a trend of increasingly dry conditions impacting water resources across England. September marked the sixth month this year with below-average rainfall, leaving reservoir storage significantly strained. National data indicates most reservoirs are less than half full, a stark contrast to the typical three-quarters capacity expected at this time of year.

Further restrictions may be announced for other regions throughout the autumn and winter. Some areas could face 'non-essential use' bans, which extend beyond households to impact businesses. South East Water has also applied for such a ban, citing that Sussex received only 56% of its expected rainfall between March and August, leading to "extremely low" levels in its local reservoirs.