英国苏塞克斯郡部分区域宣布进入干旱状态

Core Points - The Environment Agency of the UK has declared parts of Sussex County to be in a drought state due to the continuous decline in water levels at the Ardingly Reservoir [1] - This declaration follows similar drought statuses in regions such as Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Lancashire earlier this year [1] - The primary reasons for the drought include prolonged dry weather from spring to early summer and increased water demand due to rising temperatures linked to climate change [1] Summary by Sections - Drought Declaration - Sussex County has been officially classified as in drought status, with the Ardingly Reservoir currently at only 27.6% of its total capacity, insufficient for normal water supply needs [1] - Southeast Water has submitted a drought order application to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for approval [1] - Drought Response Measures - The Environment Agency and Southeast Water will implement a pre-established drought response plan, which includes the cancellation of exemptions to the hosepipe ban [2] - Users are encouraged to adopt water-saving measures, such as reducing shower times and using kitchen wastewater for irrigation [2] - Water Resource Status - Although some areas experienced rainfall in September, experts emphasize that this single month's rain cannot offset the cumulative impact of several months of below-average rainfall [2] - Continuous rainfall throughout the autumn and winter is necessary for the recovery of groundwater, reservoirs, and rivers, while ecological recovery will take longer [2]