South East Water has tightened hosepipe restrictions across Sussex after removing exemptions from its current temporary use ban.
The changes came into force on Friday 2 October and mean customers who were previously exempt from the restrictions are no longer able to use hosepipes.
The water company has also applied for a Non-Essential Use Ban, which would affect some commercial and non-household water use.
That application requires approval from the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
South East Water says the measures are needed because water levels remain extremely low following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather.
Between March and August, Sussex received just over 56 per cent of its expected rainfall.
The company says Ardingly Reservoir, which serves around 228,000 customers in Haywards Heath and surrounding parts of Sussex, is currently only 22.8 per cent full.
Despite recent rainfall, the reservoir has now reached the next stage of South East Water’s drought plan.
Nick Price, Head of Water Resources at South East Water, said: “The prolonged period of warm and dry weather we have experienced during the spring and summer has made the ground very dry and reduced flows in local streams and rivers.
“We need more rain to moisten the ground, filter deep down into the underground aquifers, and boost the rivers and reservoirs that supply customers’ drinking water.”
He added: “These conditions have resulted in the water levels of our Sussex reservoirs becoming extremely low, especially Ardingly, which has moved further into drought.
“This is why we need to take these extra steps now. Our absolute priority is making sure there is always enough water for everyone’s essential daily needs.”
South East Water said the restrictions were part of wider efforts to protect supplies and improve long-term resilience.
The company has already secured a drought permit for Sussex from the Environment Agency.
The permit, granted on Tuesday 29 September, allows South East Water to reduce the amount of additional water released from Ardingly Reservoir into the Shell Brook tributary of the River Ouse.
It also allows the company to reduce the minimum flow of water that must remain in the river at Barcombe Mills after water has been abstracted for customers.
South East Water says a full list of what is and is not covered by the hosepipe restrictions is available on its website.
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