The company is drawing up plans to ensure water supplies

South East Water is holding roadshows to discuss plans on how to cope with climate change and population growth.

Five exhibitions are being held across its supply area, which covers parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hants and Berks.

This week, the South East England Regional Assembly (Seera) called for new reservoirs as well as water-saving.

The assembly said it was "too risky for national water plans to rely solely on residents using less water" and it said proposals also needed to examine water resources.

Water resources ... are under increasing pressure David Shore, South East Water

In a response to an Environment Agency consultation, Seera said measures could include new water reservoirs, reduced water use, and limits on non-essential water use during times of drought.

At South East Water, operations director David Shore said: "Water resources in the South East are under increasing pressure due to a number of factors such as population growth, changing lifestyles and climate change.

"We are working hard to protect this precious resource by continually monitoring our mains network to reduce leakage and promoting water efficiency initiatives and metering.

"However, we must also plan further ahead to ensure the long-term sustainability of water supplies."

The company's 25-year plan is due to be published next year.