Environment Agency moves to drought status for South East Water’s area of supply in Sussex

Status reflects South East Water’s public water supply concerns

Public urged to help with efforts to boost supplies by using water wisely

Drought has been declared in Sussex for the area supplied by South East Water due to declining water levels at Ardingly Reservoir.

The Environment Agency has changed the status of the areas around Haywards Heath and Eastbourne to drought today (10 October 2025). Hampshire, Isle of Wight, and the rest of Sussex and Surrey remain in prolonged dry weather status.

Each drought is different, and they can be classed as environmental, agricultural, or public water supply drought. The move in parts of Sussex is because the hot and dry weather has impacted availabilit

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