South East Water is facing growing criticism for keeping a hosepipe ban in place, despite Ardingly Reservoir being full.
The company is currently the only water provider in the country still enforcing a hosepipe ban, prompting frustration among residents and local representatives across Sussex.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Sussex, Alison Bennett, is among those challenging the decision. She has launched a public petition calling for the restriction to be lifted, arguing that it no longer reflects the local water situation and is placing unnecessary limits on households.
Supporters of the petition say the continued ban is difficult to justify given visible reservoir levels and recent rainfall, and they are urging South East Water to reconsider its approach. The campaign has attracted increasing attention from residents who say they are struggling to understand why restrictions remain in place when other water companies have already lifted theirs.
In response, South East Water says reservoir levels alone do not tell the full story. The company says around 80 per cent of its water supply comes from groundwater rather than reservoirs, and that groundwater levels take longer to recover, particularly during the winter months.
South East Water says restrictions can only be lifted once it is confident water resources are sustainably recovering, but has added that it hopes to end the hosepipe ban as soon as conditions allow.
The petition, titled “End the Hosepipe Ban – Mid Sussex Liberal Democrats”, is open to residents who want to add their voice to calls for a review of the decision, as pressure continues to mount on the water company to explain how long the restrictions are likely to remain in place.
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK - Back Then Festival is coming to Chichester this August, with Tinchy Stryder and Toploader live at Westgate Fields – plus food stalls, a vintage funfair and family fun.
EXCLUSIVE V2 Vouchers deal: half-price tickets - Adult tickets Back Then Festival in Chichester (adult ticket) - V2 Vouchers are available at half price for £17.50.
Wightlink ferry incident at Gunwharf
Yellow weather warning for heavy rain across the South
Chichester Cathedral's new exhibition about its famous John Piper tapestry
West Sussex County Council local election u-turn reaction
Late Queen statue progress in Portsmouth
Police appeal after man is assaulted in Worthing
Tribute paid to man murdered in Southampton
Tribute to Brighton police sergeant
Plans approved for first phase of Welborne Science & Technology Park West
Can you help Sussex Police find Alexander Nash
On Air