After a summer of mostly wet and cloudy weather, a heatwave is finally hitting much of the UK, including the South East. 

Parts of Kent and South East London are expected to reach nearly 30C in the upcoming days. 

But as the weather gets hotter and dryer, many water companies will look to restrict water usage over concerns of a potential drought. 

Last year, much of Kent had a hosepipe ban with it being the warmest year on record for the UK. 

The start of summer 2023, saw Kent get an early hosepipe ban, with South East Water introducing the restrictions at the start of June. 

Now, as the weather heats up again, many are asking if the hosepipe ban is still in place in Kent. 

Is there a hosepipe ban in Kent?

There is currently no hosepipe ban in place in Kent.

The latest information from South East Water says that they have lifted the ban, sharing: "The temporary use ban in Kent and Sussex has now been lifted."

In a statement released in August, South East Water said: "We’re pleased to say that with immediate effect on 4 August, the temporary hosepipe ban has ended.

"Thank you, to our customers across our entire supply area, for your continuous efforts to save water."

Adding why the hosepipe ban is not in place, South East Water told Kent residents, that after closely monitoring water levels and looking at long-term weather forecasts they decided it was safe to lift the ban. 

Whilst the water company has not given information on whether another ban would be put in place, South East Water did share that water levels are "currently normal for this time of year."

You can find out more information via the South East Water website.