Drought Declared In Parts Of East And West Sussex

A drought has been declared in areas of East and West Sussex after water levels at Ardingly Reservoir dropped to just 27.6% of capacity.

The drought affects areas supplied by South East Water, including Haywards Heath and Eastbourne, following weeks of hot and dry weather.

Nick Price, South East Water’s head of water resources, said:

“The River Ouse catchment has only experienced two years with lower spring and summer rainfall in its 155-year recorded history.

"The river, which feeds Ardingly Reservoir, is running very low.”

The reservoir provides drinking water for 228,000 homes. Residents in the affected area are being asked to use as little water as possible, with the hosepipe ban remaining in place until supplies are secure.

Richard O’Callaghan, Environment Agency area manager, added:

“Autumn and winter rainfall may feel plentiful, but a few showers won’t undo several dry months.

"It will take sustained rain to replenish reservoirs and rivers.”

Elsewhere, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Surrey, and the rest of East and West Sussex remain in prolonged dry weather status, the agency confirmed.