Severe Drought Declared Across East And West Sussex

A severe drought has been declared across parts of southern England, including East and West Sussex, following months of low rainfall and record summer temperatures.

The Environment Agency made the announcement after reviewing water resources across the country, with reservoir levels among the key concerns.

The government says household water supplies will continue uninterrupted, but the declaration means additional measures will be taken to protect reserves.

Water companies are being asked to monitor reservoir and river levels daily, while the Environment Agency will increase checks on businesses taking water from natural sources.

Two major reservoirs have been highlighted as particular concerns: Ardingly in West Sussex, which is around 19% full, and Wimbleball in Somerset, at approximately 15% capacity.

The Environment Agency says reservoir storage across England has continued to fall, despite normally being expected to stand at around 75% at this time of year.

Severe drought is the highest level of drought status and signals the need for urgent, co-ordinated action. It does not automatically mean new restrictions or a civil emergency.

However, water companies may introduce further measures to protect supplies, and residents are being encouraged to conserve water by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers and using appliances efficiently.

South East Water and South West Water have already received drought orders allowing them to reduce the amount of water transferred from reservoirs into rivers.

Southern Water has also applied for an order to restrict water usage in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

A hosepipe ban has been in place across Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset since 8 August, with no confirmed end date.

The Environment Agency says the South East and South West experienced their driest April to September period in more than a century.

It is urging water companies and the public to take action to protect supplies, rivers and wildlife while the region waits for sufficient rainfall.