Hosepipe bans expand across southern England as drought looms

Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban affecting millions of customers after an exceptionally dry spring and summer, joining several other water companies in restricting non-essential water use. The ban, which covers London and the Thames Valley, comes into effect on Thursday. Source: BBC Thames Water's region saw just 40% of average rainfall, and demand has risen by up to 10% above normal, equivalent to an extra 100 million litres of water per day. Source: Guardian

The bans

• Thames Water's ban applies to 16 million customers according to the BBC, but the Guardian reports it covers more than 10 million customers. The company says the move is necessary to protect supplies. Source: BBC, Guardian
• South East Water is extending its ban to 2.4 million customers in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire, starting Saturday. A ban in Kent has been in place since 3 July. Source: BBC
• In total, 23 million people will be under hosepipe restrictions by the weekend, with five other water companies already enforcing bans. Source: Guardian

Drought status

The National Drought Group has declared eight areas in England at 'prolonged dry weather' status, the stage before drought. Only 13% of rivers are at normal levels, and reservoir storage is 5% below average. Source: Guardian The dry weather is also affecting agriculture, with crops ripening early and farmers facing a difficult harvest.