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South East Water Cuts Ardingly Reservoir Releases Amid Drought

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 10:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

South East Water is cutting daily releases from Ardingly Reservoir to protect drinking water supplies.
The Environment Agency declared a severe drought in Sussex after the region recorded its driest April-September in over a century.
Ardingly Reservoir fell to 17.1% capacity, down from 19.4% on 14 October.
South East Water plans a Broad Oak reservoir application by 2028, supporting the government's target of nine reservoirs by 2050.

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Story summary

South East Water is cutting daily releases from Ardingly Reservoir to protect drinking water supplies.
The Environment Agency declared a severe drought in Sussex after the region recorded its driest April-September in over a century.
Ardingly Reservoir fell to 17.1% capacity, down from 19.4% on 14 October.
South East Water plans a Broad Oak reservoir application by 2028, supporting the government's target of nine reservoirs by 2050.