Hosepipe bans expand across England as heatwave puts pressure on water supplies

Millions of households across England are facing hosepipe bans as the country's third heatwave of the summer places increasing pressure on water supplies and reservoir levels.

Several water companies, including Southern Water, South East Water, Anglian Water and Cambridge Water, have introduced or announced temporary restrictions affecting millions of customers. Authorities say the measures are necessary to protect water supplies following weeks of exceptionally hot and dry weather.

Under a typical hosepipe ban, residents are prohibited from using hosepipes to water gardens and lawns, wash cars, clean patios or fill paddling pools. Anyone found breaking the restrictions could face fines of up to £1,000, although exemptions are available for certain health, safety and welfare needs.

The Environment Agency has urged people across the country to be mindful of their water use, warning that prolonged dry conditions are placing rivers, reservoirs and groundwater under increasing strain. Water companies are encouraging customers to reduce unnecessary water consumption, even in areas where restrictions have not yet been introduced.

Experts say simple actions such as taking shorter showers, using watering cans instead of hosepipes, fixing leaking taps and only running dishwashers or washing machines with full loads can help reduce demand during the hot weather.

The latest restrictions come as much of England continues to experience unusually high temperatures, with further hot weather forecast in the coming days, increasing concerns about drought conditions later this summer.