Sussex reservoirs remain low despite recent heavy rain

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 13:32 · Archive

Sussex reservoirs remain dangerously low despite recent storms bringing England's wettest week in two years.

Reservoirs across Sussex remain dangerously low even after the substantial rains brought by storms Austen and Boelo in recent weeks. The Environment Agency described the rainfall as England's wettest week in two years, yet supplies have done little to replenish. Ardingly Reservoir stands at just 19.1 per cent full, while Arlington Reservoir is at 40.5 per cent. A drought has been officially declared in East Sussex.

Despite the recent storms, the Environment Agency has warned that England would need at least 120 per cent of average rainfall over the next six months to recover fully from drought by next spring. The dry summer saw only ten per cent of average rainfall in July, leading to widespread wildfires and water restrictions. Ardingly Reservoir is among those at risk of running dry before Christmas.

Green Party councillors have raised concerns about the sustainability of thousands of proposed new homes being built without reliable water supplies, citing the record low water reserves. Joa Saunders, a Green Party councillor, warned that if the drought persists, emergency measures including standpipes in streets could become necessary. South East Water has said that its interventions and improving conditions are reducing the need for more restrictions in the region.

How it is being reported

• Water supply situation 'improving' in SussexHowever, it is urging customers to use supplies carefully as Sussex remains in severe drought.BBC Sussex · 3 Nov, 13:50
• South East Water says interventions and improving conditions are reducing need for more restrictions during Sussex droughtSouth East Water has said that its interventions and improving conditions are reducing the need for more restrictions in Sussex.Sussex Express · 3 Nov, 13:15
• Sussex reservoirs remain dangerously low despite record rain from stormsSussex reservoirs remain dangerously low as drought threatens water security and raises concerns over East Sussex housing development and new homes.The Argus · 3 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Sussex · East Sussex · Ardingly Reservoir · Arlington Reservoir · Environment Agency · South East Water · Joa Saunders

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log