Low reservoir levels put winter water supplies at risk in Sussex

• 

  Ardingly Reservoir in Sussex has fallen to 20.2 per cent full, raising concerns about winter water supplies for the 280,000 people it serves.

• 

  South East Water chief executive John Halsall said supplies in the region were under severe pressure and he could not promise that areas would avoid winter outages.

• 

  The reservoir’s level fell from 22.8 per cent a week earlier, after a record-breaking dry spring and summer.

• 

  South East Water ended exemptions to a months-long hosepipe ban in Sussex, with the rules expected to remain until next year.

Who

Ardingly Reservoir serves 280,000 residents in Haywards Heath and surrounding areas in East Sussex. South East Water is responsible for the supply.

What

Low reservoir levels have raised concern about winter water supplies and possible outages.

When

The report was published on 12 October 2026. The hosepipe ban is expected to remain in place until next year.

Where

Haywards Heath, West Sussex, and surrounding areas in East Sussex.

Why

A record-breaking dry spring and summer reduced reservoir levels. Dry ground has also contributed to more burst pipes.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.