- Due to extreme temperatures, a committee warns of pressure on water resources in England, involving the Environment Agency and techUK.
- Population growth and climate change are straining water resources in England.
- The Environment Agency has declared drought conditions across England.
- Sussex counties are experiencing drought conditions.
Drought Permit Issued in West Sussex Due to Critical Reservoir Levels
What happened
The Environment Agency issued a drought permit for West Sussex after a reservoir reached its lowest level on record. The Ardingly Reservoir was at 23% capacity in September, prompting the permit to reduce water flow to one megalitre per day between the reservoir and the River Ouse. This reduction is down from the usual four million per day.
From energylivenews.com
Why it matters
The permit remains in effect for six months, until March 29, 2027, unless South East Water withdraws it. If rainfall remains below average, water scarcity could continue in the area well into 2027.
Sussex counties are experiencing drought conditions, and the Environment Agency has declared drought conditions across England.
From energylivenews.com
Who's involved
- West SussexThe county where the reservoir is located and the permit applies.
- Environment AgencyThe body responsible for granting the drought permit and overseeing resource management.
- South East WaterThe water utility that services the area and is subject to the permit's operational constraints.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- London Gatwick AirportSpeculative
London Gatwick Airport might face increased risk to its operations due to the regional water supply issues.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
West Sussex
ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of England
-
Environment Agency
non-departmental public body in the UK
Related events
- Drought conditions led to water abstraction restrictions after the Environment Agency declared the county in drought.
- Thames Water is seeking drought permits and conducting environmental assessments regarding water use in Oxfordshire.
- Angela Eagle visited a reservoir project in Hampshire and warned that drought recovery will take months.
- Hosepipe bans are being implemented in Wales and England due to ongoing drought conditions.
- Yorkshire is facing prolonged dry weather, with the Environment Agency monitoring water resources and issuing drought warnings.