A reservoir in West Sussex is currently at its lowest level on record, prompting the Environment Agency to grant a rare drought permit as it continue to supply water for 280,000 customers.
Ardingly Reservoir was at 23% capacity in September, which can be refilled by average winter rainfall, moving Sussex out of drought and into recovery by spring. However, if rainfall continues to be below average rates, water scarcity could continue for the area well into 2027.
The drought permit means that water flow will be reduced to one megalitre per day between Ardingly and the River Ouse, as opposed to its usual four million per day.
The permit will remain in effect for six months until 29th March 2027 unless South East Water withdraws it before then. In the meantime, the Met Office predicts average rainfall and temperatures for the foreseeable future, helping to recover the drought and restore normal water services.
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