People are being urged to cut down on the water they use for fun and save it for the crucial stuff.

Southern Water – which deals with waste water collection covering most of Kent – issued the plea this afternoon.

A Southern Water spokesman said: "We’re seeing an unprecedented demand on water supplies from homes in Kent, including Thanet, Ramsgate, the Isle of Sheppey, Gillingham , Chatham and Gravesend.

"This is due to the lockdown with more people being at home and the country experiencing some of the hottest days of the year.

"We appreciate that with the hot weather and sunshine people want to enjoy their gardens, paddling pools, hot tubs, water fights, water their gardens, lawns and even wash their cars.

"However these non-essential activities can risk drawing water away from crucial requirements like hand washing, cleaning, cooking, washing and medical requirements.

"Thank you to everyone who is being considerate with the water they are using. We have lots of water-saving tips and advice available. Please visit www.southernwater.co.uk/help-advice/how-to-save-water

It comes after South East Water – which supplies water – issued a warning this morning that "some customers will be without tap water unless usage is cut today".

The firm, which is based in Snodland and serves Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, recorded a record-breaking demand yesterday on the hottest day of the year so far.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent