Tonbridge Bean

Residents in Tonbridge are being urged to conserve water as South East Water enforces a hosepipe ban across Kent and Sussex, citing unprecedented demand during what has been the “driest spring in the region since 1893,” according to Met Office stats.

The restrictions, which will come into effect from 18 July, prohibit the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars and patios, or filling swimming pools. South East Water reported that demand reached 680 million litres a day on 30 June, significantly above the seasonal average.

Ongoing water leak in Tonbridge

Meanwhile, councillors for the Trench Ward in Tonbridge were quick to point out that a water leak between Shipbourne Road and The Ridgeway appears to have been ongoing for weeks.

Local councillors Adem Mehmet and Keith Tunstall have today submitted a formal complaint to South East Water, describing the situation as “unacceptable.” A post this morning on the Trench Ward Tonbridge Conservatives Facebook page stated: “The leak was first reported on 1st June,” and later added, “I am waiting a call back from a manager at South East Water and hope to have some answers shortly.”

The issue also caught the attention of Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat, who commented, “I appreciate a hosepipe ban will be difficult for many of us, and I understand why this has been necessary with recent weather, but South East Water must ensure it is also prioritising repairs to its network, so as much water can stay in the system as possible.“

With regards to leaks, South East Water note that they aim to fix 90% of leaks within 48 hours them being reported. But acknowledge that “Leaks are fixed on a priority basis according to a number of factors”.

What does the hosepipe ban mean for you in Tonbridge?

From 18 July, you will not be allowed to use a hosepipe for:

• Watering your garden or plants
• Washing cars, bikes, windows or patios
• Filling paddling pools, swimming pools or hot tubs
• Cleaning paths or outdoor surfaces

These restrictions apply to all domestic customers and could result in fines of up to £1,000 for non-compliance. South East Water advises using watering cans, buckets, or other methods to reduce water usage during the ban.

You can familiarise yourself with the full guidance (including exemptions) and read more about the context of the ban, on the South East Water website.

How to save water?

South East Water have some handy tips for how to save water on their website. Here are some ideas:

• Take shorter showers – Aim for no more than four minutes to save water and cut energy bills.
• Use rainwater – Collect it in a water butt for watering your garden.
• Run full loads – Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when full, and choose eco settings.
• Turn off the tap – Don’t let it run while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing hands.
• Boil only what you need – Fill the kettle with just the right amount of water.
• Be garden smart – Water early or late in the day and use mulch to lock in moisture.

Small changes can make a big difference – you can find the full guidance here.

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