West Sussex water crisis deepens

Continued dry weather has led to intensification of water shortage in the county and the consumer watchdog also called on firms throughout West Sussex to address leaks.

It said: "Water companies need to address leakage and additional resources are needed, be it through new reservoirs, desalination plants or making the best of what we have by improving connections between supply networks in the South East."

It added that there was a dangerous mix in the county of high levels of demand and development coupled with limited supplies.

Despite a seemingly wet winter, West Sussex has had below average rainfall for the last 14 months and the drought is still on.

The county has had less than a third of the average monthly rainfall in January, while the region has had below-average rainfall for 12 of the last 14 months, making 2005 the fourth driest year since 1921.

The Environment Agency and water companies have renewed warnings that it is still essential for everyone to continue to use water wisely. Last week Southern Water sent a letter to all its customers asking them not to waste water, and giving tips as to how they could use less.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette February 9