Affected by the hosepipe ban?

Each one of us uses 150 litres of water a day, whether it's washing our hands, brushing our teeth, or flushing the toilet.

But we are officially in a drought - so that means we need to be much more careful with the water we use. That is why 7 water companies across the country - including 4 in our region - have imposed a hosepipe ban.

• Southern Water - For Sussex and Kent customers only.

• South East Water - Sussex, Kent and Hampshire customers.

• Thames Water - All customers

• Veolia Water South East - All customers

Anyone found to be in breach of the ban could face a fine of up to £1000. The ban is expected to be in place throughout the summer.

The ban includes;

• Watering a ‘garden’ using a hosepipe

• Cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe

• Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe

• Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe

• Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool

• Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use

• Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe

• Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain

• Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe

• Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe

• Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe.

The region is running out of water because the past two winters have been the driest since the 1920s. If the drought continues there is a chance that house holders maybe asked to not use dish washers or washing machines, which account for a 50% increase in the regions water use over the past 25 years.