The Environment Agency has declared that Sussex is now in a state of prolonged dry weather, joining Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as pressure mounts on rivers and reservoirs across the region.
What the change means
Being placed into prolonged dry weather does not automatically impose legal restrictions, but it signals that the Environment Agency is prepared to consider requests about water use and to respond rapidly to environmental incidents driven by sustained hot, dry conditions.
“Prolonged dry weather is affecting a lot of England, now reaching from Cornwall to Sussex and elsewhere in England. Everything relies on water and we must use water wisely. The more water we use, the less there is available for the environment.”
The Environment Agency will act as regulator on any drought permit requests; decisions on drought orders are the responsibility of Defra and the Secretary of State, with the Agency supplying technical advice and environmental assessments.
Immediate local impacts
South East Water has confirmed that temporary use bans in Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey and Berkshire will come into effect on Saturday 25 July, joining Kent, which already has such measures in place. The company also said abstraction from the Cuckmere is currently not possible because river levels are too low, a situation that affects Arlington reservoir in Sussex.
- Temporary use bans in place from 25 July in parts of the South East.
- Cuckmere River levels too low for abstraction, affecting Arlington reservoir.
- National Drought Group continues to monitor conditions across England.
Who is monitoring the situation
The National Drought Group — comprising the Met Office, government departments, regulators, water firms, farming and conservation groups — is overseeing conditions and co-ordinating responses. The Environment Agency will weigh water company requests and environmental needs as situations evolve.
| Area | Position | Immediate action |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex | Prolonged dry weather | Temporary use bans from 25 July (South East Water) |
| Hampshire & Isle of Wight | Already in prolonged dry weather | Subject to temporary restrictions |
Residents should be aware that the situation could lead to tighter controls or additional measures if river and reservoir levels continue to fall and demand remains high. The Environment Agency emphasises the need for sensible water use to preserve supplies for households, businesses and the natural environment.
More detailed decisions about drought permits and orders will involve several agencies; the Environment Agency will provide technical advice to ministers if formal drought orders are considered. For now, households and businesses in Sussex should expect the temporary restrictions announced by South East Water to begin on 25 July.
