"We are starting to think now about the possibility of restrictions on use next summer if we don’t get, you know, a good amount of rainfall in what remains of the winter."

 

And that means a hosepipe ban, is that inevitable?

 

"I don’t think it’s inevitable yet. But you know, every day we have the reservoirs like this with no rain, it’s getting closer and closer. Yes."

 

Ardingly reservoir in Russex is just 12% full, and levels are still falling.

 

I should be standing under eight meters of water. You couldn’t see on the concrete there, the mark of the water level would normally be for the time of the year. Instead this reservoir has become an enormous mudflat and the company says if there is no more rain now, the water could run out altogether in just two months.

 

According to a new report by the Environment Agency, a drier than average winter will leave a huge area of England at high risk of drought next year. Reservoirs across Russex and Kent are unexceptionally low levels. Anglian Water has been granted a permit to top up Pistford reservoir with river water. And Times water has warned rainfall over the winter need to be at least 80% of the average, or restrictions could be imposed as soon as the late spring. 

 

"It had a very dry spring and a very dry cold winter before it. So this is an advanced warning that everyone must be careful with water."

 

The Environment Department says climate change is making rainfall increasingly unpredictable. It will shortly publish plans to ensure the country is more resilient to extended periods of drought.

 

Thomas Moore, Sky News.