It may seem like we've been deluged in recent days, but one water giant is applying for drought measures.

Southern Water is citing "exceptionally low rainfall" for its decision to bid to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.

That would allow it to top up its reservoir at Bewl Water from other sources.

Scroll down for video

But it comes at a time when five flood alerts are in force in the county, and following days of heavy rain.

The latest figures from the company show the water bank in Lamberhurst was at 38% capacity on Thursday, December 28.

This is before alerts were issued for flooding and stormy weather in recent days.

A statement on the company's website said: "Following exceptionally low rainfall during winter 2016-17 and during October and November 2017, Bewl currently holds less than 43% of its maximum 31,000 million litres capacity.

"Bewl Water provides water to hundreds of thousands of people across Kent and East Sussex.

"Given the impact of exceptionally low rainfall on the reservoir's levels, we need to take action to safeguard supplies for customers and reduce the risk of needing to introduce temporary restrictions on people's water use over the coming summer.

"For example, prohibiting the use of hosepipes to water household gardens.

"That is why we are applying to the Environment Agency for a drought permit for Bewl Water, enabling us to refill it in the weeks up to 1 April 2018."

It is thought the levels will be refilled by taking water from the River Medway and River Teise.