Ardingly Reservoir Falls Below 20% Capacity Amid Drought

Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex has fallen to 19.4% capacity following one of the hottest summers on record, according to South East Water.

The company says the region remains in drought and needs winter rainfall to replenish reservoir and groundwater supplies.

Operations director Douglas Whitfield said the timing of forecast wet weather remained uncertain, with the company making adjustments to protect supplies in the meantime.

South East Water introduced updated hosepipe restrictions on 9 October and has received a drought permit from the Environment Agency, allowing it to retain more water in Ardingly Reservoir.

The company also says 92 repair crews are working across Kent and Sussex to tackle leaks and reduce water loss.

Mr Whitfield said standpipes remained part of its drought plan but were unlikely to be needed unless dry conditions continued through autumn and winter.

The company is also facing scrutiny following previous supply failures, including outages affecting around 24,000 homes and businesses in the Tunbridge Wells area last winter.

Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin said the risk of further supply problems had reduced, but more work was needed to address years of underinvestment and improve the Pembury water treatment plant.

Jonathan Hawker, from the Dry Wells Action Group, welcomed what he described as greater openness from South East Water but warned the underlying situation remained a concern.

He said residents should prepare for the possibility of further supply problems this winter.