South East Water's fresh drought measures to protect Ardingly reservoir

South East Water will cut the daily volume of water it releases into the River Ouse from Ardingly Reservoir, which is currently at 17.1% capacity, to protect drinking supplies. The Environment Agency declared a “severe drought” for parts of Sussex served by the reservoir, following the driest April-to-September period in more than a century. After the EA approved an extension of South East Water’s drought permit powers, the company will reduce releases day by day in a managed, phased approach. South East Water’s CEO John Halsall said the plan allows monitoring to minimize environmental impacts while maintaining a minimum downstream flow for its Barcombe Water Treatment Works intake. The EA had previously issued a drought permit, and the reservoir has reportedly fallen below 20% in recent weeks.