South East Water’s Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) for customers in Kent and Sussex was lifted on 5 February 2026, bringing an end to restrictions that had been in place since July 2025. The company confirmed that reservoir levels and underground water sources have returned to normal following winter rainfall, meaning there are currently no hosepipe restrictions in the supply area.
The ban originally came into effect on 18 July 2025 across the Kent and Sussex region. Additional restrictions for some customers in Sussex were introduced from 17 October 2025 and have also been removed. The lifting applies to all South East Water customers in the affected areas.
For those looking to confirm whether their postcode is affected, the official update from the company now indicates no active ban. Other water companies in the region, including Southern Water and Thames Water, have also ended their respective hosepipe restrictions.
Is There a Hosepipe Ban in My Area? Use the Postcode Checker
Key insights
- The 2025‑26 ban is now over; all restrictions for Kent and Sussex have been removed.
- South East Water’s official Temporary Use Ban page was previously showing outdated “lifted” information from the 2022 ban, causing confusion.
- The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) confirmed the 2025 start date in July 2025.
- Extra restrictions for parts of Sussex from October 2025 were lifted at the same time.
- Regional water stress affected multiple companies: Southern Water and Thames Water also introduced bans that have since ended.
- No interactive postcode checker was provided by South East Water; users relied on official updates.
Quick reference facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ban Type | Temporary Use Ban (hosepipe ban) |
| Provider | South East Water |
| Region | Kent and Sussex |
| Start Date | 18 July 2025 |
| Lifted Date | 5 February 2026 |
| Previous Ban | August 2022 – lifted (old page) |
| Reason | High demand and low water reserves; lifted after winter rain |
| Official Source | South East Water update page |
What Is the Latest Update on the South East Water Hosepipe Ban?
South East Water announced on 5 February 2026 that the Temporary Use Ban for Kent and Sussex would be lifted at 09:00 that day. The company stated that reservoir and groundwater levels had returned to normal after consistent winter rainfall, making the restrictions unnecessary.
The original ban was introduced on 18 July 2025. In October 2025, extra restrictions were applied to customers in parts of Sussex. These additional measures were also removed when the main ban ended.
South East Water customers in Kent and Sussex can now use hosepipes, sprinklers, and other restricted equipment without penalty. The company’s official update page confirms no active ban.
Has the South East Water Hosepipe Ban Been Lifted?
Yes. The ban was lifted at 09:00 on 5 February 2026. South East Water confirmed in an online update that no hosepipe restrictions remain in force for any part of its Kent and Sussex supply area.
Comparison with the 2022 ban
The 2022 ban was also lifted at some point in 2022, but the company’s old update page continued to show that message. The 2025‑26 ban is a distinct event with its own start, expansion, and end dates.
Official confirmation
South East Water’s announcement attributes the lifting to “reservoir levels and underground water sources return[ing] to normal” after the winter. The same page notes that the separate Sussex‑only restrictions from 17 October 2025 were also removed.
If you are a South East Water customer, visiting the company’s dedicated Temporary Use Ban page will show the current status. For other postcodes, your water company’s website should provide the latest information.
How Does the South East Water Ban Compare to Southern Water?
Southern Water introduced its own Temporary Use Ban during 2025 but has also lifted it, according to the company’s website. Thames Water similarly ended its restrictions with immediate effect. These parallel bans highlight the widespread water supply pressures across southeast England.
While South East Water’s ban covered Kent and Sussex, Southern Water’s restrictions applied to its own supply areas in the south. The timing and lifting dates differed, but all three companies cited high demand and low water reserves before winter rain replenished supplies.
Timeline of the South East Water Hosepipe Ban
- August 2022 – South East Water imposes a Temporary Use Ban in Kent and Sussex due to drought. (Later lifted.)
- 2022 (undisclosed date) – Ban lifted; the official page retains a “lifted” message.
- 12 July 2025 – The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) announces a new ban starting 18 July 2025.
- 18 July 2025 – The new hosepipe ban comes into effect for all Kent and Sussex customers.
- 17 October 2025 – Extra restrictions are applied to some customers in Sussex.
- 5 February 2026 – All restrictions lifted at 09:00; the company confirms normal water levels.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| South East Water implemented a hosepipe ban from 18 July 2025 (confirmed by CCW and the company). | Whether the ban could have been extended to other areas had rainfall been insufficient. |
| The ban covered Kent and Sussex, with additional restrictions in Sussex from October 2025. | Exact penalties and enforcement details were not widely published on the official site. |
| The ban was lifted on 5 February 2026 because reservoir and groundwater levels recovered. | The official South East Water website initially did not prominently display the 2025 ban, causing confusion. |
| Southern Water and Thames Water also lifted their bans. | The precise duration of the 2025 ban was not announced in advance; it ended when conditions improved. |
Why Did South East Water Introduce the Hosepipe Ban?
Southeast England, particularly Kent and Sussex, experienced below‑average rainfall in the period leading up to the summer of 2025. High demand from population growth and tourism placed additional strain on water supplies. South East Water had invested in reservoir capacity but faced persistent pressure on underground sources.
The Consumer Council for Water described the situation as “unprecedented demand” and noted that the company acted to safeguard essential supplies. The ban was a standard Temporary Use Ban, restricting hosepipes, sprinklers, and similar equipment for non‑essential use.
Neighbouring water companies faced similar challenges. Southern Water and Thames Water also introduced restrictions in 2025, underscoring the regional nature of the water stress.
What Do Official Sources Say?
“Customers living in Kent and Sussex will face hosepipe restrictions from Friday, 18 July.”
— Consumer Council for Water (CCW), July 2025
“We’re sorry to customers with water supply issues today. This is caused by high demand for water.”
— South East Water, water latest update page
South East Water’s own announcement on the lifting of the ban states that “reservoir levels and underground water sources returned to normal after winter rain.” The company’s latest update page now reflects the current no‑ban status.
What Should Residents Do Now?
With the ban lifted, South East Water customers in Kent and Sussex can resume normal outdoor water use. The company encourages continued water conservation to help maintain supplies. For the most current information, check the official South East Water Temporary Use Ban lifted page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the South East Water hosepipe ban start?
The newest ban started on 18 July 2025. An earlier ban in 2022 was lifted previously.
Does the ban affect business customers?
Temporary Use Bans typically apply to domestic gardens. Businesses should check with South East Water for specific exemptions.
What is the difference between a hosepipe ban and a drought order?
A hosepipe ban (TUB) is a restriction; a drought order gives water companies stronger powers to limit non‑essential use.
How long did the South East Water hosepipe ban last?
The ban lasted from 18 July 2025 until 5 February 2026. No official end date was given in advance.
Can I use a watering can during the ban?
Yes, as long as it is not connected to a hosepipe or sprinkler system.
Is Southern Water’s hosepipe ban still in place?
Southern Water’s ban has also been lifted, according to the company’s website.
Where can I find a live map of hosepipe ban areas?
South East Water did not provide a live map; the official updates page showed the current status.
