Hosepipe ban for MILLIONS more Brits as fourth water firm is days from imposing restrictions – are YOU affected?
H2O-NO! Hosepipe ban for MILLIONS more Brits as fourth water firm is days from imposing restrictions – are YOU affected?
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OVER a million more households were told to prepare for a hosepipe ban yesterday — with 2.5million on the brink.
Thames Water said it will impose restrictions from next Tuesday in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, most of Wiltshire and parts of Berkshire.
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Yorkshire Water and South East Water have already announced the measures affecting six million customers.
Sources said Southern Water — which supplies Kent, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and East & West Sussex — is also days away from its own ban.
Up to five more regions could be in a drought by September, according to the Environment Agency.
Thames Water said: "This year, the UK experienced one of its warmest and driest springs in over a century.
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WEATHER WATCH Temperature to change over next few days & exact date for next 35C scorcher
"June was also England's warmest on record. The Environment Agency has put our area into the prolonged dry weather category.
"That's why we need to bring in a hosepipe ban.
"It will help protect the environment and make sure there's enough water to go around this summer."
Those who flout the bans face fines of up to £1,000.
Cath Jones, from the Consumer Council for Water, said: "People do have a really important part to play, not only through adhering to the restrictions, but also making small changes.
"These include shaving a couple of minutes off their shower, turning off the tap while brushing their teeth and only running washing machines and dishwashers on eco mode and with full loads."
Water companies in England and Wales have been ordered to return millions
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