Important information: drinking water supplies in Sussex

We will shortly be applying to the Environment Agency for a Drought Permit on the River Ouse. I will explain what this is in more detail later within this email. A consultation will start once we make our application, which will close on 4 September 2026. The application information and details to respond to the consultation will be posted on our website once we’ve made our application: southeastwater.co.uk/drought-permit

Why are we applying for a Drought Permit

We’re applying for this because we have experienced extremely low rainfall this year, coupled with sustained high temperatures and demand, which has resulted in the water level within Ardingly Reservoir approaching a very low level. The reservoir, which supplies 228,000 customers in Sussex, is currently at 44.2 per cent full.

While there has been some rain, the ground has become so hard and dry from weeks of high temperatures and little rainfall, much of the rain we are finally seeing will simply run off the surface. It’ll take time for rain to moisten the ground, filter deep down into the underground aquifers, and boost the rivers that supply drinking water in the area.

We’re at this point because we’ve hit a number of key triggers outlined in our Drought Plan.

Iain Murrell