South East Water has tightened the hosepipe restrictions applying to customers in Sussex as water levels at Ardingly Reservoir continue to decline.
From 2 October 2026, customers who were previously exempt from the Temporary Use Ban can no longer use a hosepipe for restricted activities. Uses required for unavoidable health and safety reasons remain exempt.
The restrictions already prevent customers from using hosepipes for activities including watering gardens, cleaning private vehicles and patios, and filling swimming or paddling pools. South East Water’s detailed guidance on the restrictions is available on its Temporary Use Ban information page.
Commercial water restrictions requested
South East Water has also applied for a Non-Essential Use Ban covering businesses and other non-household customers in Sussex. The restrictions will require approval from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before they can be introduced.
If approved, the measures could restrict the use of mains water for activities including watering plants at commercial premises, operating mechanical vehicle washers, cleaning industrial equipment and suppressing dust. They could also affect the filling of certain non-domestic swimming pools, hot tubs and ponds.
South East Water has published further information about the proposed measures in its Non-Essential Use Ban guidance. Private water supplies and harvested rainwater would not be covered by the proposed restrictions.
Ardingly Reservoir falls to 22.8%
Ardingly Reservoir was 22.8% full at the end of September, according to South East Water’s reservoir monitoring data. The reservoir supplies approximately 228,000 customers in Haywards Heath and surrounding areas of Sussex.
The percentage represents the reservoir’s total capacity. The amount that can be used for public supply is lower because of factors including the position of the intake infrastructure and accumulated sediment.
Sussex received just over 56% of its expected rainfall between March and August, according to the utility. The prolonged dry conditions have reduced river flows, limited reservoir replenishment and triggered the next stage of South East Water’s drought response.
The Met Office reported that summer 2026 was provisionally the UK’s hottest on record. England also experienced its driest July in a rainfall series extending back to 1836.
Environment Agency grants drought permit
The Environment Agency granted a drought permit for Ardingly Reservoir on 29 September. South East Water submitted its application on 28 August.
The permit allows the company to reduce the volume of water released from the reservoir into Shell Brook and to lower the minimum flow that must remain in the River Ouse at Barcombe Mills after abstraction. It is due to remain in force for six months, until 29 March 2027, unless withdrawn earlier.
The Environment Agency said the measure was intended to support the security of public water supplies. Environmental monitoring and other permit conditions will apply while the temporary arrangements are in operation.
South East Water increases drought response
South East Water said it had returned a treatment facility to service, adding around 1.4 million litres of water per day. A fast-tracked pipeline between Bewl and East Sussex is also transferring approximately 900,000 litres per day.
The company reported repairing 893 leaks in Sussex between April and August 2026. It has increased the number of repair teams operating in the county as dry ground conditions contribute to movement around water pipes and a rise in reported bursts.
Nick Price, Head of Water Resources at South East Water, said the prolonged warm and dry weather had reduced flows in local rivers and streams. He said sustained rainfall would be needed to moisten the ground, replenish aquifers and increase reservoir levels.
“These conditions have resulted in the water levels of our Sussex reservoirs becoming extremely low, especially Ardingly, which has moved further into drought. This is why we need to take these extra steps now,” Price said.
The measures follow growing pressure on water resources across south east England. Earlier this year, South East Water published its draft Drought Plan for 2027–2032, setting out how it proposes to manage future shortages.
H2O Global News has also examined why rainfall does not always translate into secure UK water supplies and South East Water’s earlier infrastructure resilience programme.
Frequently asked questions
What has changed about the Sussex hosepipe restrictions?
South East Water has removed most exemptions from the existing Temporary Use Ban. Customers who previously qualified for an exemption can no longer use a hosepipe for restricted activities, except where its use is required for unavoidable health and safety reasons.
Is the Non-Essential Use Ban already operating?
No. South East Water has applied for a Non-Essential Use Ban, but it requires government approval before restrictions on specified commercial and non-household activities can take effect.
How full is Ardingly Reservoir?
South East Water reported that Ardingly Reservoir was 22.8% full at the end of September 2026. The reservoir supplies approximately 228,000 customers in Haywards Heath and surrounding parts of Sussex.
What does the Ardingly drought permit allow?
The permit allows South East Water temporarily to reduce releases from Ardingly Reservoir into Shell Brook and lower the required residual flow at Barcombe Mills. It is intended to conserve water for public supply while operating under conditions set by the Environment Agency.
How long will the drought permit remain in force?
The permit is scheduled to remain in effect until 29 March 2027, unless South East Water withdraws it earlier.
