The first hosepipe ban of the year has now come into force in the south of England with another to be imposed in seven days' time - and water companies have warned more will be needed across the country unless we have significant rainfall in the next few days. Southern Water has now introduced a hosepipe ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Bans have since spread to those across Kent and Sussex and are due to come into action next week. Further hosepipe bans are set to be announced this week and next, with many worried that these may impact their region.
Hosepipe bans are a delayed impact of the recent heatwave in July. The record temperatures of 40C plus caused water levels to run low in some areas, causing the driest July since 1911. This reduction has caused a knock-on effect for August, as there has not been enough rainfall to replenish water stores.
