South East Water says interventions and improving conditions are reducing need for more restrictions during Sussex drought

The water supplier said the Sussex region is still at drought level three (severe drought), but called the current status ‘more positive’ thanks to a combination of recent rainfall, temporary changes to water abstraction licence conditions and measures put in place to protect supplies.

South East Water said it is grateful to customers for using water wisely and is asking them to continue doing so, adding that their efforts are making a difference.

Douglas Whitfield, Water Supply Director at South East Water said: “We know that the possibility of further water restrictions has been a real concern for many of our customers, particularly businesses whose livelihoods could be affected. We want to reassure people that the situation is improving and that the immediate pressure to introduce additional restrictions is reducing.”

As of Sunday, November 1, Ardingly Reservoir was 19.1 per cent full and Arlington Reservoir was 40.5 per cent full.

But Mr Whitfield said Sussex is ‘not out of the woods yet’. He said: “A few days of rainfall cannot reverse the effects of a prolonged period of dry weather, and our water resources still need time to recover. That’s why we’re continuing to monitor conditions closely and plan carefully for the winter months, when sustained rainfall will be important in helping our water resources recover.”

This announcement by South East Water does not refer to the parts of Sussex covered by Southern Water or other suppliers.

The recent announcement comes after Sussex Weald MP Nusrat Ghani reiterated calls for South East Water to be ‘more transparent’ about the state of infrastructure and water supply at a public meeting in Heathfield on October 23. South East Water responded by saying it was working on solutions ‘in the short, medium and long-term’ to improve resilience across the network in Sussex. It said it is also working closely with stakeholders, local authorities and MPs to make sure communication is ‘clearer than ever’.

South East Water’s announcement also comes after Lewes District Green Party councillors expressed concerns about water security as thousands of new homes are proposed for Sussex. South East Water said it aimed to create a ‘healthy balance’ between supporting economic growth and protecting the environment water comes from. The company said it updates its Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) and follows the Water Industry National Environment Plan (WINEP) every five years. It said it has started developing its next plan, to be published in 2029, which will take account of the housing growth requirements in planning for future water resources.

Last month, South East Water applied for permission to introduce a Non-Essential Use Ban (NEUB) in Sussex, which could be used if conditions get worse. But the NEUB requires approval by the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and is yet to be determined. South East Water said the application is ‘a precaution at this stage’.

A company spokesperson added: “South East Water continues to do everything it can to protect water supplies, including tackling leakage and improving network resilience to make the best possible use of the water available. The drinking water company is also working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).”