Anger as South East Water issue heatwave hosepipe ban in Kent

However, Elizabeth Wood, a mother from Maidstone, said the ban was “no problem” and was to be expected.

She has urged people to “just keep calm and carry on”.

Annette Cox, who owns the cafe Even Flow in Tunbridge Wells, says she was amazed the hosepipe ban “hasn’t happened sooner”, given SEW’s history.

“I’m just not surprised. I wouldn’t have expected them to react any other way,” she added.

“I think we’ve been through so much with them that it’s just standard behaviour really.”

Hinton, who resigned in May following supply issues but remained in the post to allow for an “orderly transition”, said he recognised customers’ frustrations due to the ban.

He said: “To safeguard that shared supply and prevent any homes from facing a sudden loss of water, we sadly need to ask our communities to not use their hosepipes immediately.

“We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone helping us protect Kent’s water.”