Hosepipe ban lifted for homes in East Sussex
It had been in place since August following a dry summer
More than three months after it was first introduced, a hosepipe ban on homes in East Sussex has finally been lifted.
South East Water introduced restrictions on August 12th after the driest start to summer since 1976 resulted in record demands for water.
The company says heavy rainfall over the last two months, coupled with observance of the restrictions, has helped water resources to recover.
Lee Dance, Head of Water Resources for South East Water said:
"In July, the South East received only eight per cent of average rainfall and demand for water from our 1.4 million customers in Kent and Sussex was exceptional.
"At one point we were producing enough water daily to supply four additional towns the size of Maidstone or Eastbourne.
"I would like to say thank you to our customers for adhering to the restrictions and finding ways to cut down on their water use at a time that not only were our supplies in reservoirs and in the ground under immense pressure but so was their local environment too."
The first week of November alone saw 107 % of the total long term average monthly rainfall and by November 20th there had been close to two months of rainfall in just three weeks.
It means reservoirs have been able to refill - including the one at Ardingly, which is now close to being 75% full after more than 2.5 billion litres of water flowed into it over the past four weeks.
Dry soil has also been able to retain more moisture, allowing water to again start seeping down to recharge the aquifers that hold groundwater.
Lee Dance added:
"Looking ahead to next summer, we do need people to continue to be mindful about how much water they use so all the sources where we draw water from both in the reservoirs and underground can continue to recover.
"During this exceptional period, we have also been trying new ways to manage our water resources. Among the initiatives underway has been a partnership with farmers and growers in priority areas to part-fund rainwater harvesting systems and provide expert advice on how to use water wisely on the farm.
"We have also published our draft Water Resources Management Plan which sets out how we will provide a reliable and resilient supply of drinking water between 2025 and 2075 while protecting the local environment."