Expert comment: Why the South East has a hosepipe ban

Dr Rob Thompson, a rain expert at the University of Reading, explains why Kent and Sussex have been subjected to a ‘hosepipe ban.’

“For many in the south east, watering their gardens or enjoying a dip in a paddling pool just became harder after the South East Water hosepipe ban become enforceable (Monday, 26 June). But why is there a hosepipe ban? 

“If you just look at seasonal averages, the rain is quite normal. In the south east, spring was wetter than average, and winter was only a little drier than normal, which followed a wet autumn. But the distribution of the rain is unusual. February was incredibly dry (the driest since 1934 at the University of Reading) and was then followed by a remarkably wet March (the wettest March on record to 1908 at the University of Reading). Much of the rain has also fallen in very intense spells. The last 2 weeks have seen deluges and severe storms across the UK. This is the ‘wrong kind of rain’ to recharge the water supplies as very intense rain runs off rather than soaking in, and rapidly escapes the system, meaning less rain is captured. The hot weather of recent weeks makes the runoff issue worse as this means more water evaporates. The recent hot stormy weather has put further pressures on the systems.

“By acting now, water companies can reduce consumption in ways that are inconvenient rather than truly damaging. The hope will be that more resilience will prevent much more serious consequences later in the summer, should the hydrological situation not improve.”

Dr Jess Neumann, Associate Professor of Hydrology, at the University of Reading, comments on what needs to happen next after south east water restrictions were enforced. 

“Demand for drinking water has reached a record level in the south east, largely driven by the prolonged spell of warm and dry weather but also localised interruption of supply. This has led to companies such as South East Water implementing a temporary hosepipe ban.  

“There is the potential that the southeast region will be facing more hot and dry weather as the summer progresses, and short-term actions such as hosepipe bans are one easy step to help manage safe and reliable water supplies for everyone throughout the coming months.  

“It is understandable that customers are frustrated as local reservoirs are still well stocked with water. However, only around 8% of water use in the south east comes directly from reservoirs. Current demand is outstripping how quickly river and groundwater stocks are being replenished due to the lack of rainfall.   

“Water is not a finite resource and weather patterns are becoming more variable and unpredictable – there needs to be a fundamental shift in how we all view water. It is everyone’s responsibility to reduce demand, while the water companies need to invest significantly in their infrastructure to enhance supplies so that we are prepared for a future under a changing climate.”