South East Water has published its draft Drought Plan 2027–2032, outlining the steps it would take during periods of drought or high demand to ensure a reliable drinking water supply for its 2.3 million customers across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. The consultation window is now open until 6 August 2026.
The plan sets out a flexible “toolbox” of short-term actions to manage severe water shortages, with updates including changes required by new Drought Plan guidelines, new trigger frameworks and enhanced coordination with environmental partners. It incorporates lessons learned from the 2025 drought.
Updated Actions for a Changing Climate
Key updates to the new draft plan include:
- Refined trigger framework: Updated water demand triggers that better reflect modern peak summer usage
- Proactive, localised communication: Targeted, area-specific water-saving campaigns initiated earlier in the year
- Enhanced collaboration: Closer coordination with catchment partnerships, wildlife trusts and local authorities to protect river health
- Targeted support: Clearer restriction exemptions for vulnerable customers on the Priority Services Register and increased rainwater-harvesting support for farmers and landowners
- Extreme drought options: New options for very severe drought situations to avoid the need for emergency measures
South East Water’s Head of Water Resources, Nick Price, said: “Water is our most precious resource and our supply area in the South East was identified by the Environment Agency as a water-stressed area nearly two decades ago.
“The drought of 2025 demonstrated how rapidly climate change and shifting post-pandemic demand patterns can strain our networks. During heatwaves, we now routinely see demand for drinking water increase by 20 to 30 per cent — the equivalent of adding a town the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne overnight onto our supply network.”
£2.1 Billion Infrastructure Investment
Over the next five years, South East Water is investing £2.1 billion to maintain supplies and build infrastructure resilience — including fixing leaks faster with smart technology, rolling out smart meters and developing a new reservoir at Broad Oak near Canterbury.
The supply area contains 196 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and other precious water-dependent habitats including chalk streams, making the balance between reliable supply and environmental protection a particularly complex challenge.
Feedback on the draft Drought Plan is invited via southeastwater.co.uk/draft-drought-plan. The consultation closes on 6 August 2026.
South East Water supplies drinking water to 2.3 million customers across parts of Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent, delivering 543 million litres of water every day through a network of 9,000 miles of pipe.
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FAQs
What is South East Water’s Drought Plan 2027–2032?
South East Water’s Drought Plan 2027–2032 sets out the actions the company would take during periods of drought or severe water shortages to maintain drinking water supplies while protecting the environment.
Why is South East Water consulting on the draft drought plan?
Water companies are required to review and update their drought plans every five years. The consultation allows customers, stakeholders and environmental organisations to provide feedback before the final plan is submitted to regulators.
What changes have been made in the new drought plan?
The updated draft includes revised drought triggers, earlier water-saving campaigns, stronger collaboration with environmental partners, additional support for vulnerable customers and new measures for managing extreme drought conditions.
Why is the South East considered a water-stressed region?
South east England has a growing population, limited water resources and increasing pressure from climate change. The Environment Agency identified the region as water stressed due to the balance between water demand and available supplies.
What happens during a drought?
Depending on the severity of conditions, actions may include promoting water efficiency, increasing leak repairs, moving water around the network, accelerating water resource schemes and, if necessary, introducing temporary use restrictions such as hosepipe bans.
How can people respond to the consultation?
Feedback can be submitted through South East Water’s consultation website at www.southeastwater.co.uk/draft-drought-plan. The consultation is open until 6 August 2026.
How does climate change affect water supplies?
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of hot, dry periods, which can reduce available water resources while increasing customer demand. Water companies use drought plans to prepare for these changing conditions and maintain resilient supplies.
What is South East Water investing in to improve resilience?
South East Water is investing £2.1 billion over the next five years, including leak reduction technology, smart meter rollouts and the proposed Broad Oak Reservoir project near Canterbury to strengthen long-term water security.
