Water companies have already imposed ban on the use of hoses to water gardens, wash cars and fill children’s pools. The ban will affect millions of people in England and those who break the ban could face fines of up to £1,000.
A senior government source has said that water suppliers “may need to act soon” and that they would have the support of other ministers if they had to introduce more hose bans.
The source added: “This is the driest since 1976, so I think the public understands the need to take action.”
They also said each water company has its own “drought plan” and would make its own decisions.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Environment Minister George Eustice urged more water companies to impose more bans.
He wrote that the water companies have “justly taken action to mitigate the effects of this prolonged dry weather using the resources available. I strongly urge others to do the same.”
These bans come after the National Drought Group held an emergency meeting in July to assess water resources and put England in long-term dry water status, the stage before a drought.
The UK had a record-breaking summer last month as the UK faced the hottest day on record with temperatures exceeding 40°C in certain areas.
Southern England also experienced the driest July since records began in 1836, and the UK now faces its driest period since the summer of 1976.
Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said, “Over the next seven to 10 days, it looks like it will be dry across much of the country.
“In general, August tends to be a wetter month, so it’s quite unusual to have prolonged dry weather in August.”
READ MORE: How to water the garden without using a garden hose?
The Southern Water water company has imposed a temporary hose in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for the first time in 10 years.
Southern Water, says the ban is being introduced to “urgently reduce” demand for certain rivers, which are local water sources.
A company spokesperson said: “Over the past eight months we have had very little rain, well below average.
“In fact, we are experiencing one of the driest years ever (in the past 131 years).
“River flows are now about 25 percent lower than they should be at this time of year, so we ask that you limit your use to reduce the risk of further restrictions and disruption to the water supply, but more importantly to protect our local rivers.” to protect. .”
South East Water has also announced that Kent and Sussex will face a ban on garden hoses and sprinklers from 12 August.
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Thames Water, the UK’s largest water supplier in London with more than 9 million customers, is still considering a hose ban and has yet to make a decision.
The company said temporary restrictions may be necessary as reservoir levels are below normal for this time of year.
A company spokesperson said: “The timing will depend on the amount of water used by our customers, which determines the rate at which storage in the reservoir decreases.”
Environment Secretary Eustice wrote that everyone can “all do our part” to conserve water.
He wrote, “Saving water is about reducing unnecessary consumption, not limiting essential use.
“There are many actions you can take to save water in your home and garden. Installing a water-saving device in your toilet cistern or checking your household appliances for leaks can save you a huge amount of water.”