South East Water is lifting its hosepipe ban from Wednesday following months of heavy rainfall.

The company, which supplies people in East Sussex, said key underground water sources had been replenished.

Despite restrictions being lifted, South East Water is appealing to customers to use water wisely as the Met Office has predicted that 2007 could be the warmest year yet.

David Shore, director of assets at South East Water, said: "With the recent rainfall now starting to refill our key underground sources, we are more confident of being able to meet demand for water if we have a normal spring and summer, and without the need to keep the hosepipe and sprinkler ban in place.

"Our customers also responded magnificently to our appeals to use water wisely with demand for water down by as much as ten per cent, even at the peak of last summer's heatwave.

"Their efforts, combined with the hosepipe ban, helped ensure we maintained essential supplies for drinking, washing and cooking during one of the driest periods since the 1930s and the worst drought since 1976.

"Although our resources are in a much better position than at this time last year, with the possibility of another hot summer this year we are asking customers for their continued support."

The move follows Southern Water's decision to lift its hosepipe ban last month.