Water supply situation 'improving' in Sussex

South East Water has said improving conditions and recent measures have reduced the immediate likelihood of further water restrictions in Sussex.

Although Sussex remains in severe drought, the company said recent rainfall, temporary changes to water abstraction licences and other measures had improved the situation.

However, the water company urged customers to continue using water carefully while supplies recover.

"We want to reassure people that the situation is improving and the immediate pressure to introduce additional restrictions is reducing," said Douglas Whitfield, water supply director.

"However, a few days of rainfall cannot reverse the effects of a prolonged period of dry weather, and our water resources still need time to recover."

The company said it was continuing work to reduce leaks and improve the resilience of its network.

Last month, South East Water applied for permission to introduce a Non-Essential Use Ban in Sussex if conditions worsened.

The application, which requires approval from Defra, is still being considered.

The company said the move was precautionary and there was no guarantee further restrictions would be needed.

Existing hosepipe restrictions remain in place and are reviewed weekly, it added.

It said any exemptions that had been removed would be reinstated as soon as possible.

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