Water customers are being urged to stop using their sprinklers or hosepipes during the hot weather.

It comes after the highest ever level of water use across parts of the region was recorded by South East Water last Sunday.

To cope with this the company is producing around an extra 100 million litres a day across its supply area – the equivalent of 1.25 million toilet flushes.

Scroll down for audio

The warning comes despite the firm's reservoir levels standing at around 87%, which is said to be "a healthy position and within the normal range for the time of year."

Steve George, customer services director, said: “When water use peaks like this, some of our customers may experience lower than normal pressures.

"Peak demand is usually in the evening from 5pm to 7pm and we are asking our customers to avoid non-essential water use, such as sprinklers, to help us make sure there is enough water for everyone.

“Our water supplies are good for this time of year - but in the same way that motorways can become jammed when rush hour is busier than normal - using water sprinklers and hosepipes adds huge pressure to the normal peak-period demands of the dishwasher or washing machine, showering and bathing, and toilet flushing, and our water network simply cannot deliver the water quickly enough."

South East Water revealed that an hour of water sprinkler use will use a family of four’s daily supply.

Alternative ways to save water include turning the tap off while brushing your teeth, using the dishwasher and washing machine when full, fixing any leaky taps or toilets and using water in the paddling pool on the garden afterwards.