Rainfall across East Surrey last month dipped to below the expected long-term average for the first time in six months.

Sutton and East Surrey Water recorded a total of 44mm or 1.7in of rain during February – while the average expected is 55mm or 2.1in.

However, the company said water levels in the underground aquifers from which it extracts 85% of its supplies remain well above normal, and its main surface reservoir at Bough Beech, near Edenbridge in Kent, is 100% full. Mike Hegarty, Sutton and East Surrey Water’s operations director, said: “Our resource situation is healthy as we progress through the crucial winter recharge period.“ He added: “This is in complete contrast to the same period in the previous two years when lack of rainfall led to a drought being declared in February last year.”

The company is asking customers to call 01737 772000 if they believe they have discovered a leak.