On 15 October 2026, the Government formally declared severe drought in parts of West Sussex, including the Arun Valley.

The current severe drought conditions aren’t just an environmental story — they’re an economic one.

For Pulborough, the Arun Valley and wider West Sussex, sustained low rainfall and depleted reservoir stocks translate into real‑world pressures for local businesses, especially those already operating on tight margins.

Here’s what it means, sector by sector, with a focus on the kinds of businesses that shape Pulborough’s local economy.

1. Agriculture & Land‑Based Businesses

This is the sector hit first and hardest.

Impacts

• Reduced crop yields due to low soil moisture and restricted irrigation.
• Early harvesting and lower‑quality forage, forcing farmers to buy winter feed earlier and at higher prices.
• Abstraction licence restrictions — over 1,353 restrictions nationally, with Arun/Rother farmers among those affected.
• Higher livestock stress during prolonged dry spells.

Local reality

Arun floodplain farmers around Pulborough, Coldwaltham and Hardham are already reporting:

• Lower grass growth
• Increased reliance on stored water
• Pressure on grazing land
• Business risk
• Cashflow tightening, higher input costs, and reduced resilience heading into winter.

2. Hospitality, Cafés, Pubs & Restaurants

Water‑intensive businesses feel the pinch quickly.

Impacts

• Higher water bills if companies adjust tariffs during drought periods.
• Operational constraints if Temporary Use Bans return (e.g., outdoor cleaning, garden areas).
• Supply chain disruption — local produce becomes more expensive or less available.

Local reality

Pulborough’s pubs, cafés and restaurants may see:

• Reduced availability of local meat, dairy and produce
• Increased costs for cleaning, food prep and cooling systems
• Pressure to demonstrate water‑efficient practices to customers

Business risk

Higher operating costs and reduced menu flexibility.

3. Trades & Service Providers

Plumbers, decorators, car valets, gardeners, landscapers and cleaning companies all face constraints.

Impacts

• Restrictions on water use (e.g., pressure washing, garden irrigation).
• Delays in outdoor work due to soil shrinkage, ground instability or fire risk.
• Higher demand for leak detection and water‑efficiency upgrades — a potential opportunity.

Local reality

• Gardeners and landscapers may need to redesign planting schemes around drought‑resilient species.
• Car valets may face limits on water‑based services.
• Builders may encounter ground movement affecting foundations and drainage.

Business risk

Reduced service scope — but also new opportunities in water‑saving retrofits.

4. Retail & High Street Businesses

Lower river flows and environmental stress affect footfall indirectly.

Impacts

• Reduced tourism to nature‑based attractions (Pulborough Brooks, South Downs).
• Higher cooling and ventilation costs during prolonged dry heat.
• Potential supply chain issues for food, flowers, plants and local goods.

Local reality

• Lower Street traders may see:
• Fewer visitors during extreme heat or wildfire warnings
• Higher costs for keeping shops cool
• Reduced availability of local artisan food products

Business risk

Lower footfall and higher overheads.

5. Tourism, Leisure & Outdoor Activity Providers

The Arun Valley’s outdoor economy is sensitive to environmental conditions.

Impacts

• Wildfire risk limiting access to South Downs trails
• Low river levels affecting canoeing, angling and wildlife tours
• Habitat stress reducing wildlife sightings at Pulborough Brooks
• Local reality
• The Wey & Arun Canal Trust may face navigation limits.
• Wildlife‑based tourism may see fewer visitors during habitat stress periods.

Business risk

Seasonal downturns and reduced visitor satisfaction.

6. Offices, SMEs & Home‑Based Businesses

Even businesses not directly tied to water use feel knock‑on effects.

Impacts

• Higher utility costs
• Pressure to adopt water‑efficient practices
• Potential business‑continuity planning requirements if drought escalates
• Local reality

Pulborough’s SMEs may need:

• Water‑saving policies
• Staff guidance on drought resilience
• Contingency plans for supply interruptions (rare, but now monitored daily)

Business risk

• Incremental cost increases and compliance obligations.
• Government Guidance & Support

Key Government Messages

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle:

“We are working closely with water companies to protect public supplies… and I’d urge everyone to think about how they can use water wisely.”

Water Minister Emma Hardy:

“We are prioritising protecting public water supplies… allowing water companies to keep more water in depleted reservoirs where necessary.”

Where businesses can find official guidance

Drought & dry weather updates: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-activates-plan-to-protect-consumers-as-severe-drought-declared-in-parts-of-england

Water management for businesses: https://www.gov.uk/environment/water-management

Abstraction licences & restrictions: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/water-abstraction-flexible-options-in-exceptional-dry-weather

What Local Businesses Should Do Now

Immediate actions

• Audit water use
• Fix leaks and inefficient systems
• Switch to drought‑resilient planting (landscapers, nurseries)
• Review supply chains for drought‑sensitive goods
• Communicate water‑saving measures to customers
• Medium‑term actions
• Consider rainwater harvesting
• Install low‑flow taps and appliances
• Update business‑continuity plans
• Engage with local resilience forums
• Collaborate with other traders via Lower Street Association or Pulborough business networks

The businesses that fare best will be those that treat this period not as a temporary inconvenience but as a signal to adapt.

Three themes stand out.

1. Efficiency is now a competitive advantage

Water‑saving measures aren’t just environmentally responsible — they reduce operating costs, strengthen resilience and demonstrate leadership to customers who increasingly expect sustainable practice. Even small steps (fixing leaks, switching to drought‑resilient planting, reviewing cleaning routines) add up.

2. Supply chains will feel the strain

From agriculture to hospitality to retail, drought disrupts the flow of goods. Businesses that diversify suppliers, plan ahead for shortages and communicate clearly with customers will navigate the coming months more smoothly than those who wait for problems to arrive.

3. Collaboration strengthens the whole community

Pulborough’s business community is tightly knit. Sharing information, coordinating responses and supporting one another — whether through local business groups, the Parish Council or informal networks — will help everyone manage uncertainty. Drought resilience is easier when approached collectively.

Local businesses can play their part — and protect their own future — by acting early, staying informed and building drought‑smart habits now.

 

Pulborough has weathered many challenges, and its businesses have shown time and again that they can adapt with creativity and determination. This drought period is another moment to do just that: tighten operations, plan ahead and stay connected.

The Government’s message is clear:

“We are prioritising protecting public water supplies… and working closely with businesses and water companies to safeguard future resilience.”

Pulborough Post — Business Drought Resilience Checklist

For businesses in Pulborough, Stopham, Nutbourne, West Chiltington, Coldwaltham, Hardham and the wider Arun Valley

1. Protect Your Water Supply

• Check for leaks in taps, toilets, pipes, irrigation systems and outdoor fixtures.
• Install low‑flow taps, aerators, and efficient appliances.
• Review your water bills for unusual spikes.

If you rely on boreholes or private supply, monitor groundwater levels and ensure pump maintenance is up to date.

2. Reduce Water Use in Daily Operations

• Switch to water‑efficient cleaning routines.
• Use closed‑loop systems where possible (e.g., for cooling or washing).
• Reuse greywater for non‑hygiene tasks where safe and permitted.
• For hospitality: adjust kitchen prep, dishwashing cycles, and ice machine usage.

3. Adapt Your Outdoor Spaces

• Replace thirsty plants with drought‑resilient species.
• Mulch beds to retain moisture.
• Reduce or eliminate pressure‑washing of outdoor areas.
• For trades and landscapers: redesign client gardens with low‑water planting schemes.

4. Strengthen Your Supply Chain

• Identify suppliers most affected by drought (local produce, flowers, dairy, meat).
• Build backup suppliers for drought‑sensitive goods.
• Communicate early with customers about menu changes, stock shortages, or price adjustments.

5. Prepare for Operational Disruption

• Review your business continuity plan for water‑related risks.
• Ensure staff know what to do if water pressure drops or supply is interrupted.
• Store small quantities of emergency water for essential operations (not for general use).
• For agriculture: plan forage, feed and irrigation needs early.

6. Protect Staff & Customers During Heat and Dry Spells

• Provide cooling, shade, and hydration for staff.
• Adjust working hours for outdoor teams during extreme heat.
• Maintain indoor temperatures safely for customers and vulnerable visitors.

7. Stay Compliant

• Check whether Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans) apply to your business activities.
• If you hold an abstraction licence, monitor Environment Agency updates daily.
• Keep records of water‑saving actions — useful for inspections or grant applications.

8. Communicate Clearly

• Tell customers what you’re doing to save water.
• Share drought‑related changes to services or products.
• Encourage staff to report leaks or inefficiencies immediately.

9. Collaborate Locally

• Coordinate with neighbouring businesses on Lower Street, Station Road and the wider parish.
• Share resources, advice and updates.

Send your advice and updates to editor@pulboroughpost.co.uk . We’ll publish a list. Let’s help each other out by sharing ideas and working together. 

10. Stay Informed

Gov.uk drought updates: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drought-management-for-england/drought-how-it-is-managed-in-england

Gov.uk water news: https://www.gov.uk/environment/water-management#news_and_communications