Water under pressure: Alison Bennett MP leads coordinated response to drought concerns

This week, Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett has brought together representatives from government, water regulators, local authorities and the NHS by convening a Water Resilience Summit to strengthen coordination and preparations for potential water supply challenges in Mid Sussex this winter.

The summit, held on Thursday 22 October, follows growing concerns over low water levels at Ardingly Reservoir and the recent declaration of severe drought conditions in West Sussex.

The meeting brought together representatives from South East Water, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Environment Agency, Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Consumer Council for Water, West Sussex County Council, Mid Sussex District Council, local town and parish councils, and NHS organisations.

The summit provided an opportunity for organisations to share updates on the current water supply situation, review existing contingency arrangements and agree priorities for the months ahead.

A key focus of discussions was protecting vulnerable residents, particularly those who rely on water for medical needs, alongside care homes and healthcare services.

Partners discussed arrangements for identifying and supporting vulnerable customers, improving coordination between emergency planning teams and ensuring residents have access to clear and timely information.

The meeting also considered emergency water distribution arrangements, including the accessibility of bottled-water collection points, with local councils and the NHS offering to support public communications and promote South East Water's Priority Services Register.

NHS representatives outlined their existing contingency plans, while discussions also covered longer-term measures to strengthen the resilience of Mid Sussex's water supply, including the role of Weir Wood Reservoir.

Following the discussions, organisations agreed to continue working together on emergency planning, communications and longer-term water resilience through existing local and regional arrangements.

Speaking following the summit, Alison Bennett MP said: "Residents across Mid Sussex are understandably concerned about our water supply, particularly as we head towards winter.

"That is why I brought together the organisations responsible for managing our water supply, emergency planning and public health, so that we could establish a shared understanding of the situation and the preparations underway.

"It was encouraging to see such constructive engagement from everyone around the table. We had important discussions about protecting vulnerable residents, strengthening emergency arrangements and ensuring that our communities receive the information and support they need.

"Recent rainfall and measures to manage supplies provide some cautious reassurance, but it is important that preparations continue and that we look beyond this winter to the longer-term resilience of our water infrastructure.

"I will continue to raise Mid Sussex's concerns directly with ministers, press South East Water for action and ensure that the priorities discussed at the summit continue to be addressed.”