South East Water has said that improving conditions and its own interventions are easing pressure on water supplies in Sussex. The company said this reduces the immediate need for further Sussex drought restrictions on customers and businesses, although the region remains at drought level three, classed as severe drought.
The company supplies drinking water to 2.4 million customers across parts of Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. It set out the position in an update on drought restrictions in Sussex published on 3 November 2026.
Rainfall and licence changes ease pressure
South East Water attributed the more positive status to a combination of recent rainfall, temporary changes to water abstraction licence conditions and the measures put in place to protect supplies. It thanked customers for using water wisely and asked them to continue doing so while water resources recover.
The company said it was also tackling leakage and improving network resilience to make the best possible use of the water available. It is working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Drought status varies across water resource zones
The drought position is geographically specific. The Eastbourne (WRZ2) and Haywards Heath (WRZ3) water resource zones remain at drought level three, while the company’s other zones are at level one. The Environment Agency also identifies the Ardingly-supplied area as experiencing severe drought.
H2O Global News has previously reported on South East Water’s decision to tighten hosepipe restrictions in Sussex as levels at Ardingly Reservoir declined.
Winter rainfall needed for recovery
Douglas Whitfield, Water Supply Director at South East Water, said: “We know that the possibility of further water restrictions has been a real concern for many of our customers, particularly businesses whose livelihoods could be affected. We want to reassure people that the situation is improving and that the immediate pressure to introduce additional restrictions is reducing.”
He added: “However, we need to be clear that we’re not out of the woods yet. A few days of rainfall cannot reverse the effects of a prolonged period of dry weather, and our water resources still need time to recover. That’s why we’re continuing to monitor conditions closely and plan carefully for the winter months, when sustained rainfall will be important in helping our water resources recover.”
Non-essential use ban application still pending
On 2 October, South East Water applied for permission to introduce a Non-Essential Use Ban (NEUB) in Sussex, so that the option would be available should conditions deteriorate. The application requires approval by the Secretary of State at DEFRA and is still being determined.
The company stressed that the NEUB is an application rather than an active ban and described it as a precaution at this stage. It said there was no guarantee a ban would be granted or needed, and that government approval would not automatically mean implementation. Further details are available on the company’s non-essential use ban information page.
Sussex drought restrictions remain under weekly review
The Temporary Use Ban (TUB), which covers hosepipe use, remains in place and is reviewed weekly. From 9 October, the company tightened the TUB in Sussex by removing exemptions covering activities including commercial window cleaning and cleaning domestic properties, except for health, safety and animal welfare purposes.
South East Water said the removed exemptions would be reinstated as soon as possible. It added that while water resources were improving, a responsible and measured approach was needed, with restrictions kept under review and decisions based on the latest evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sussex still in drought?
Yes. Sussex remains at drought level three (severe drought), with the Eastbourne (WRZ2) and Haywards Heath (WRZ3) water resource zones at level three and South East Water’s other zones at level one.
Has a non-essential use ban been introduced in Sussex?
No. South East Water applied on 2 October for permission to introduce a Non-Essential Use Ban in Sussex as a precaution, and the application is still being determined by the Secretary of State at DEFRA. The company said there is no guarantee it will be granted or needed.
Is the hosepipe ban still in place for South East Water customers in Sussex?
Yes. The Temporary Use Ban remains in place and is reviewed weekly. South East Water said the exemptions it removed would be reinstated as soon as possible.
Which hosepipe ban exemptions were removed in Sussex?
From 9 October, exemptions covering activities including commercial window cleaning and cleaning domestic properties were removed, except for health, safety and animal welfare purposes.
Why is pressure on Sussex water supplies easing?
South East Water said recent rainfall, temporary changes to water abstraction licence conditions and measures to protect supplies have improved the position. It added that sustained winter rainfall will still be needed for water resources to recover.
