Water companies serving the South East have been urged to introduce a hosepipe ban as the drought gripping Sussex intensifies.

The Environment Agency fears the region could face the most serious drought in 100 years and wants water savings made now to avoid extreme measures - such as collecting water from standpipes set up in the streets - this summer.

Households served by Southern Water are still subject to a hosepipe ban introduced last summer and now all water companies serving this region are being asked to introduced one from March.

Environment Agency chief executive Barbara Young said the situation was serious.

She said: "There's still time for rain to reduce the risk of drought but water companies shouldn't just hope for rain - they must act now in case the weather stays dry.

"The last 15 months have been the driest period in some areas in the South East since 1921.

"Even with average rainfall for the rest of winter and spring, managing water supplies will be difficult.

"If water companies delay introducing hosepipe bans now, extreme steps to manage water supplies over summer may be needed, such as standpipes and rota cuts."

The ban is one of the measures outlined in the Environment Agency's 2006 Drought Prospects.

Other steps include banning non-essential water use - like cleaning windows - increasing leakage control and improving public awareness.

Brighton and Hove City Council has cancelled this year's floral displays to save water and West Sussex County Council held a water summit on Tuesday to ensure co-operation with the Environment Agency and water companies to boost awareness of the problem.