WATER companies say a hosepipe ban and water restrictions are unlikely this summer despite the county experiencing a drier than average winter.

Both Southern Water and South East Water say groundwater and reservoir levels are at a good level and they are closely monitoring the situation.

Statistics published by the Met Office reveal Sussex experienced more than 20 per cent lower than average rainfall in April.

It also said last month was the tenth driest April since records began in 1910 and follows the driest six-month period from October to March since 1995/1996.

Rain during the first three months of this year has helped improve groundwater levels, which make up 70 per cent of the water it supplies.

River levels have also increased, allowing the firm to pump some of this water into its reservoir at Bewl on the Sussex and Kent border.

A spokesman said: “Despite the dry winter, we don’t believe we will need to take measures, such as introducing temporary use bans in our water supply areas this spring and summer.

“We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely, with clear plans in place to make sure we’re fully prepared should the relatively dry weather continue in the months ahead.

“This includes building on our ongoing campaign to encourage and support our customers to save water, energy and money, providing them with a wide range of water-efficiency advice.”

The company said it was also continuing to tackle leakage on its 13,700km network of water mains to ensure best use of its water sources.

South East Water’s head of water resources Lee Dance said: “It’s has been a drier than normal winter.

“However we do not envisage water shortages this year and are not planning to bring in water restrictions.

“Some of our aquifers are below average but they are still in a good position ahead of the summer.

“Our reservoirs at Ardingly and Arlington are both more than 90 per cent full.

“This is exactly where we would expect them to be at this time of year.

“Whatever the weather, and in particular when we have a dry spell such as now, we do ask our customers to use water wisely.

“On the hottest days, demand from customers can reach 700 million litres a day.

“This up from the daily normal of 540 million litres a day across South East Water’s supply area.”