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Taps 'could run dry by Christmas' as ministers hold twice-weekly Cobra crisis talks over shrinking reservoirs in Sussex and the south-west

Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex, which supplies 280,000 customers, has fallen to just 17 per cent capacity amid the driest April to September in over a century.
Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex, which supplies 280,000 customers, has fallen to just 17 per cent capacity amid the driest April to September in over a century.

Wimbleball reservoir in Somerset, serving more than 400,000 people, has fallen to just 13 per cent capacity. Ardingly in West Sussex, which supplies 280,000 customers, holds only 17 per cent. A secret 'reasonable worst-case scenario' warns stocks could hit zero within weeks. Officials have drawn up 'Day Zero' plans, and construction at a nuclear power station could be disrupted.

Sussex and the south-west endured their driest April to September in over a century.

Southern Water, South East Water and South West Water want Dame Angela Eagle to ban non-essential use.

Car washes, sports pitches and private pool refills would all be stopped under the bans.

MoreGB NewsBritons warned reservoirs could run dry within weeks as secret 'Day Zero' plans drawn up - GB NewsDaily MailReservoirs across the UK 'could run dry by Christmas', ministers warnThe TimesMinisters battling to avoid reservoirs running dry by Christmas
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