Northumbrian Water is not expecting to introduce restrictions on water use, despite transferring water from the Tyne to the Wear for the first time in 16 years as the dry spell continues.
The ongoing dry spell has led to hosepipe bans being announced as far north as Yorkshire, while drought has been declared in parts of the South West, parts of southern and central England, and the East of England. This summer has been England's driest for 50 years, and in some parts the driest on record.
Three water companies – Welsh Water, Southern Water, and South East Water – have all imposed hosepipe bans, while Yorkshire Water has announced a ban will start on August 26 and Thames Water is planning one in the coming weeks.
