Businesses could be barred from non-essential water use amid supply threat

Wimbleball reservoir in Exmoor, Somerset, is currently at less than a quarter of its capacity after the dry spring and summer heatwaves. Photograph: Paul Silvers/BNPS

Three water companies are seeking to impose severe restrictions on businesses as the drought continues across most of England, putting rivers and wildlife under huge pressure.

Golf clubs and private schools could be barred from using mains water to irrigate playing fields and courses, and commercial car washes stopped from operating, under “non-essential use bans” being sought by the companies.