The Environment Agency has granted a drought permit to South East Water for the Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex as the facility reaches its lowest recorded level for this time of year. As of September 28, the reservoir, which provides water for approximately 280,000 customers, had fallen to just 23 per cent capacity.
The emergency permit, which came into effect following an application submitted by the water company on August 28, allows for a significant reduction in water releases from the reservoir into the Shell Brook tributary of the River Ouse. Under normal operating conditions, South East Water is required to release four million litres of water per day to support the tributary; however, the new measures allow this volume to be cut to one million litres per day.
Richard O’Callaghan, environment planning manager at the Environment Agency, emphasized that the decision to grant the permit was not taken lightly.
“We take great care weighing up the needs of the environment and will continue keeping a close eye on river conditions,” O’Callaghan said. “We are also staying alert for any impacts on the environment and we will make sure South East Water obeys the tough but fair conditions of its temporary permit.”
The permit is scheduled to remain valid for six months, until March 29, 2027, unless South East Water opts to withdraw it earlier. A public hearing was held on September 18 to allow stakeholders and local objectors to voice concerns regarding the environmental implications of the reduced flow.
Despite the granting of the permit, the Environment Agency has issued a stark warning that these measures alone will not be sufficient to secure the region’s water supply. Officials have indicated that South East Water may need to trigger further elements of its drought plan to manage the dwindling resources. Potential future steps include the removal of exemptions from the current temporary use ban or the application for a formal non-essential use ban.
The recovery of the region’s water resources is now heavily dependent on the coming winter months. According to the Environment Agency, at least average winter rainfall is required to successfully refill the Ardingly Reservoir and allow the region to emerge from drought status by the spring. If rainfall levels prove to be below average, sustained pressure on water supplies across Sussex is expected to continue well into next year.
While the long-term outlook remains uncertain, current meteorological data offers some stability. The Met Office has forecast both average rainfall and typical temperatures for the month of October, providing a baseline for water management efforts as the region navigates the ongoing drought.
The Environment Agency confirmed it will maintain rigorous oversight of the situation, ensuring that the reservoir’s management adheres strictly to the permit’s conditions while balancing the critical needs of both the public and the local ecosystem.
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