South East Water said on 3 November 2026 that its interventions and improving conditions are helping to ease pressure on water supplies in Sussex, reducing the immediate need to introduce further restrictions for customers and businesses1. The company said the region remains at drought level three, which it describes as severe drought1.
The company attributed the more positive status to a combination of recent rainfall, temporary changes to water abstraction licence conditions and the measures put in place to protect supplies1. It said it continues to tackle leakage and improve network resilience, and is working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)1.
Last month the company applied for permission to introduce a Non-Essential Use Ban (NEUB) in Sussex so that the option would be available should conditions deteriorate1. The company said the application requires approval by the Secretary of State for DEFRA and is still being determined, and that there is no guarantee it will be granted or needed1. Further hosepipe restrictions under a Temporary Use Ban remain in place and are reviewed weekly, and the company said re-instating the exemptions removed will take place as soon as possible1.
"However, we need to be clear that we're not out of the woods yet. 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."
Why it matters for households
Households and businesses in Sussex remain under a Temporary Use Ban, which the company reviews each week1. The company is asking customers to continue using water wisely while resources recover1. The NEUB, if approved, would add further restrictions; its status depends on a decision by the Secretary of State for DEFRA, which the company says is still being determined1. The company said the possibility of further restrictions had been a real concern, particularly for businesses whose livelihoods could be affected1. How drought levels are declared and what each stage means is set out in the site's guide to how drought is declared in England and what each stage means, and where restrictions currently apply is tracked in England's 2026 drought: where restrictions apply.
What happens next
The company said it is continuing to monitor conditions closely and planning carefully for the winter months, when sustained rainfall will be important in helping water resources recover1. The Temporary Use Ban remains under weekly review, the NEUB application remains with the Secretary of State for DEFRA, and the company said removed exemptions will be re-instated as soon as possible1. Water company drought plans and how customers can have a say are covered in the guide to water company drought plans.
Sources (1)
- South East Water update on drought restrictions in Sussex | South East Water, southeastwater.co.uk
England 2026 Drought Areas
Drought Stages in England
Water Company Drought Plans
