Political opinion with Alison Bennett MP: Why every drop matters this winter

Despite some rainy spells at the end of last week, West Sussex is now officially in severe drought, and Ardingly Reservoir is critically low. 

Speaking frankly, I know how angry people are with South East Water, because I am too. As a customer myself, I’ve lived with the outages, the disruption and the near-endless leaks. We are asked to save water again and again while our bills keep rising. That frustration is justified, and I will keep pushing for a long-term fix to our water supply crisis. 

But for this autumn and winter every litre saved now helps keep taps running for our families, elderly neighbours, schools and care homes. We can be angry and still do our bit for ourselves and our community.  

Small changes make a real difference; keeping showers to around four minutes, choosing showers over baths, running the dishwasher only when full, using the eco setting, or a washing-up bowl instead of a running tap. Also, please follow South East Water’s current restrictions. 

I would also urge you to check whether you can join the Priority Services Register. It is free, and eligibility is far broader than many realise, covering people over pensionable age, families with young children, pregnant women, and anyone with a disability or a medical condition, short- or long-term. If supplies are interrupted, those on the register receive extra help, including bottled water deliveries. Please help any older relatives or neighbours sign up too. 

Local business owners: there are no new restrictions on you for now, but if the proposed Non-Essential Use Ban could affect you, please get in touch. I’m already raising businesses’ concerns. 

In Parliament, I have requested an urgent meeting with DEFRA on winter shortage planning, been briefed by a Minister, spoken with South East Water’s Chief Executive and met the chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. I will keep working on this until our water system is working for our community and South East Water provides the service we all deserve. However, for now, we must all do what we can.