Drought status declared for Sussex amid water concerns
Drought status declared as pressure rises for water resources.
East Sussex, along with the South Downs, East Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire and Kent have become the latest to move into drought status yesterday (August 10).
This means almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August.
The National Drought Group has warned all regions of the country are experiencing pressure on their water resources - with increasing impacts across agriculture, public supplies, navigation, and the environment.
South East Water’s Head of Water Resources, Nick Price, said: “We welcome the Environment Agency’s decision to move all areas that South East Water supplies into drought status.
"This reflects the impacts of the warm and dry weather we are seeing in our local areas.
“The company’s untreated (raw) water resources were in a healthy position moving through spring and into early summer following the higher than average winter rainfall.
“The continued hot weather and high demand has led to low river flows, declining reservoir levels and the need to protect groundwater sources.
“Since March we’ve recorded just over half the expected rainfall across all the areas we supply and there is little rain in the upcoming forecasts. Coupled with increased demand, this means water levels and river flows are continuing to fall and have now breached some of the triggers in the company’s Drought Plan. We must now protect rivers, reservoirs and groundwater sources.
“Our Drought Plan sets out the steps we would take during periods of low rainfall, low water resource availability and high demand to ensure we can deliver a reliable water supply. Our absolute priority is to make sure there is enough water for everyone’s essential daily needs: drinking, cooking and hygiene.
“We will continue to follow our plan and keep customers informed of next steps, beyond the hosepipe restrictions already in place, should they arise.”
The drought status follows the driest July in 190 years and just 5% of expected rainfall this month to date.
Rivers, reservoirs, and groundwaters, such as Ardingly Reservoir, continue to decline whilst temperatures rise.
Temperatures are set to reach the mid-30s across Sussex this week with an amber health warning issued.
Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.
“We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last. Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers.”
To find out more about South East Water’s Drought Plan and the triggers at: southeastwater.co.uk/about/our-plans/drought/