Ardingly reservoir has fallen below 20% capacity according to South East Water.

The company, which supplies Kent, Sussex and Hampshire, said the region remained in the midst of a drought caused by one of the hottest summers on record.

Winter rainfall is needed to replenish both reservoir and groundwater supplies.

Following reports that Ardingly could dry up within weeks, Whitfield said that standpipes remained part of the company’s drought plan but were unlikely to be needed.