South East Water has today announced temporary hosepipe restrictions for Kent and Sussex customers - record-breaking demand for drinking water has put significant pressure on drinking water supplies, as the region grapples with a prolonged dry period and an approaching third heatwave of the summer.

Severn Trent is calling on customers in Staffordshire to help save water after record temperatures sparked rising demand in the county – which has also seen a dramatic reduction in rainfall.

Continued dry and warm weather over the last week and England’s warmest June on record has seen reservoir stocks continue to decline across Yorkshire.

A new United Nations report is warning that drastic changes are approaching with risk tipping points that threaten irreversible impacts on people and planets.

The hosepipe ban for South East Water customers in parts of Kent and Sussex has been lifted with immediate effect.

The latest Met Office ‘State of the UK Climate’ report is warning that 2022 was a record-breaking year for weather and is a sign of the UK’s changing climate.

The Met Office has confirmed that the UK has had its hottest June since records began. 

Plans to maintain water supply resilience have been discussed by National Drought Group members amidst ongoing hot and dry weather.

With temperatures climbing, the Environment Agency is asking the public to help protect rivers and watercourses this summer by reporting sightings of fish in distress and algal blooms.

South East Water has announced a hosepipe ban for its customers in Kent and Sussex and the use of a hosepipe or sprinkler is now restricted.