Millions of Brits have been told they are facing restrictions on their water usage after South East Water issued a hosepipe ban.

The water company has said it has been left with "no choice" but to restrict the use of hosepipes. The restrictions are due to come in from June 26.

The company has taken the decision following record levels of demand. Households, businesses and schools in Kent and Sussex will be affected by the ban.

It comes as a heatwave which has seen temperatures reach 30C in most places is set to continue, forecasters believe.

David Hinton, chief executive officer, South East Water, said: “This situation has developed much more rapidly than last year.

"Understandably, we’ve seen customer demand increase in line with the hotter weather, however, this has impacted our ability to keep all customers in supply at all times.

"Despite asking for customers' help to use water for essential uses only, regrettably we’ve now been left with no choice but to introduce this temporary use ban restriction to protect customers' supplies across Kent and Sussex."

The energy firm is unable to return drinking water storage tanks to satisfactory levels to ensure that it is able to consistently provide clean safe drinking water for its 2.3 million customers, who live in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Mr Hinton added: "The long-term forecast for the rest of the summer is for a dry period with little rainfall, although temperatures may reduce slightly.

"Restricting the use of hosepipes and sprinklers to make sure we have enough water for our customers’ essential use, will ensure we can serve our vulnerable customers and to protect the local environment.

"This will mean that customers will be prevented from using hosepipes for watering their gardens, washing cars, patios and boats and from filling swimming and paddling pools."

What is a hosepipe ban?

A hosepipe ban can be used by water companies when they are having to manage their supplies of water because there is high demand and lower supply.

It is generally when it has been very dry and hot for a long period, as at present.  

There is still enough water to drink and wash with, but a hosepipe ban helps reduce demand for water; hosepipes use a lot and generally for non-essential purposes.  

As the name suggests, if a ban is in place where you live, you can’t use a hosepipe for things like watering your garden, filling a paddling pool or washing your car.  

If you need to use water outside, for example, to water your plants, you are still able to do that, but with a watering can or a bucket.  

If you are found to break the rules, you could be fined up to £1,000.  

Hosepipe bans are not something anyone wants, but they play an important role in a period of drought.

"We are very aware that climate change and other factors are increasing the frequency of these events and we are submitting proposals to our regulator, Ofwat to solve these issues." Mr Hinton added.

“I would like to thank everyone who has already taken steps to try and reduce their overall water use but despite this, demand still remains very high which is why we have taken this decision to bring in temporary use restrictions.”