A summit on water supplies has been held in West Sussex.

Representatives from four water companies and the Environment Agency met with West Sussex county councillor Louise Goldsmith at County Hall in Chichester.

Coun Goldsmith, cabinet member for the environment and economy, heard first hand about the shortage which has led to a hosepipe and sprinkler ban in the county.

She also heard about the implications and impact on supplies that future housing developments could have.

Companies at the meeting included Southern Water, South East Water and Portsmouth Water.

Coun Goldsmith said: "The current shortage and predictions of drier autumns has really brought home what a precious resource water is and we have to rethink how we use it so we can conserve our supply.

"If we have insufficient rain this autumn the shortage will continue. It is important to start thinking about the implications of such a scenario, how it will impact on our residents and this forum allowed us to do that.

"We are lucky in this county to have a supply of clean water at all times but we need to be aware that through climate change we may get less rain, so we need to use our water carefully."

The county council has produced a leaflet about the water shortage and a list of saving tips which are available from libraries and help points across West Sussex.

Water will be the main item on the agenda at the council's next strategic environmental services select committee on October 26, where there will be representatives from the water companies.