A Drought Permit in Sussex needed because the weather in 2026 has been exceptional. The Met Office is saying it is likely to be the warmest summer on record and we’ve had the driest July since records began 190 years ago. We’ve also seen the highest daily demand for water in recent years and recurrent heatwaves with 35-degree celsius (and above) temperatures reached in four separate calendar months (May, June, July and August).
The reservoirs in Sussex are also continuing to fall, therefore, South East Water are looking at other ways to protect water supplies, including applying for this Drought Permit.
Anyone may view the application, either by clicking the button on the South East Water website or at the addresses below during normal working hours (9am to 4pm), until Friday 4 September.
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Barcombe Village Hall, Barcombe Mills Rd, Lewes BN8 5BH
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South East Water, Rocfort Road, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5AH
Objections may be made to the Environment Agency quoting South East Water and reference NPS/DP/250017.
This can be done by email to: [email protected]
Or by post to: Environment Agency, Permitting Support Centre, Water Resources Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Parkway Business Park, Sheffield, S9 4WF.
Objections should be made by Friday 4 September. The response should outline if you are making a formal objection to the proposal and the grounds for the objection.
After 4 September, the Environment Agency will review the application and inform South East Water of their decision.
For further details, follow this link to the South East Water website
Photo by Radhey Khandelwal on Unsplash