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New York Post
6 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
5 ways to make your coffee healthier this morning — without swapping milks or sugars
Call it a love affair, a morning ritual or a full-blown addiction — Americans are hooked on coffee. Across the country, two-thirds of US adults knock back an average of three cups daily. That's enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool more than 49 times, according to the National Coffee Association. While drinking coffee in moderation can benefit everything from your heart to your brain, there are simple ways to make your daily brew work even harder for you — even if you don't want to part with your cream and sugar habit. Advertisement 4 The number of Americans who drink coffee daily is up 7% from 2020, according to a 2025 study. WesLens/ – But first: the health benefits of coffee When you think of coffee, a caffeine boost is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But the beverage is also packed with antioxidants and other compounds that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against chronic diseases, according to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Research shows that regular coffee drinkers may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, dementia, Parkinson's and even colorectal cancer. Advertisement Studies also suggest that coffee intake could benefit mental health, support weight management, improve lung function and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Taken together, scientists say that coffee could help with longevity. For example, a review of 40 studies found that drinking two to four cups daily was associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of age, weight or alcohol consumption. Here's how to take your cup to the next level. #1. Choose your beans wisely The quality of coffee varies widely depending on how the beans were grown and processed. Advertisement When buying beans, look for the USDA organic label. These beans are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers that could harm your health. 4 Grinding beans just before brewing preserves their flavor and antioxidant content. aitormmfoto – Also, choose coffee grown at higher altitudes, such as beans from Ethiopia, Colombia and Kenya. These tend to contain more polyphenols — plant compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont. And keep in mind: Polyphenols break down as beans roast, so light or medium roasts preserve more of these beneficial compounds. Check the roast date on the bag and try to buy beans roasted within the last two weeks. Advertisement #2. Don't forget the filter Once you have your beans, how you brew matters. Studies show that brewing coffee with a paper filter is better for your health, especially for older adults. That's because unfiltered coffee contains diterpenes, compounds that can raise cholesterol. Research indicates that unfiltered coffee has 30 times more diterpenes than filtered coffee, Harvard Health reports. If you're a Keurig fan, you might want to reconsider. There is growing concern that K-cups may leach microplastics into your brew, and early research suggests those particles aren't good for your health. 4 Filtered coffee methods, like drip or pour-over, remove some of the potentially harmful substances in coffee. amenic181 – #3. Add a dash of turmeric After brewing, try adding turmeric to your cup. Advertisement This bright golden-orange spice contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, according to Healthline. Turmeric may reduce inflammation, ease pain, support heart health, aid weight management, boost mood and improve digestion. For better absorption of curcumin, consider adding a source of fat like oil or milk to your coffee. #4. Sprinkle on some cinnamon If turmeric isn't your thing, cinnamon is a great alternative. Advertisement This spice has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, as it's packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, per BBC Good Food. 4 Skip the sugary creamers and try adding natural spices to your coffee for a healthy flavor boost. kuvona – Research suggests cinnamon fights inflammation, protects the heart, lowers blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity. Advertisement Scientists also believe cinnamon may help prevent cancer, as well as combat bacterial and fungal infections. #5. Make it 'bulletproof' Bulletproof coffee is a high-calorie, caffeinated drink created by Dave Asprey, known as the 'father of biohacking.' It's designed to fuel your morning without carb-heavy breakfasts common in America. Fans also say it promotes fullness, supports weight management and enhances brain function. To make bulletproof coffee, combine one cup of brewed coffee with a tablespoon each of grass-fed butter (or ghee) and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, such as those derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. Advertisement Blend for 20–30 seconds until creamy, or use a milk frother in a large mug. Unlike typical morning pick-me-ups, Asprey claims bulletproof coffee provides sustained energy throughout the day without crashes.
Tatler Asia
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
9 most stunning tennis courts around the world
2. Enchantment Resort, Arizona, USA Set within the red rock formations of Boynton Canyon, the tennis courts at Enchantment Resort bring a surreal sense of scale. Morning matches come with crisp desert air and a cinematic glow as sunlight hits the sandstone. The resort offers lessons with USPTA-certified pros, though it's just as tempting to simply rally and soak in the silence. 3. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France A favourite of film stars and fashion editors during Cannes season, this Riviera icon also houses immaculately maintained clay courts shaded by Aleppo pines. The atmosphere is decidedly old-world, with white-uniformed staff and the gentle clink of glasses from nearby terraces. It's the kind of place where a quick set easily turns into an afternoon affair. 4. Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Tanzania Tennis in the Serengeti may sound improbable, but Singita Sabora delivers. Its single court sits amid 350,000 acres of protected wilderness. Expect occasional giraffe sightings mid-game and no audience save for the rustle of the savannah. The surface is synthetic grass, ideal for barefoot play. This is not the place to perfect your topspin—more likely, you'll rethink your entire relationship with the sport. 5. Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE Perhaps the most photographed tennis court on this list, the helipad at the Burj Al Arab was temporarily converted for a rooftop exhibition match between Federer and Agassi in 2005. While not open to the public, it remains a symbol of Dubai's audacity. The hotel's standard courts are less vertiginous but still offer serious skyline views and the kind of service that borders on theatre. 6. Stanglwirt, Going am Wilden Kaiser, Austria In the Austrian Alps, this luxury eco-resort combines spa culture with high-performance tennis. The indoor courts feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing the mountains, while the outdoor clay courts feel lifted from a 1970s Bond film. Former professionals regularly host training camps here, making it a pilgrimage site for serious players who want altitude with their cross-court drills. 7. Four Seasons Resort, Nevis The Caribbean isn't short on picturesque courts, but Nevis stands out for its blend of scenery and serenity. Eleven courts are spread across lush gardens, many with views of the sea or Nevis Peak. The resort has a robust tennis programme with regular tournaments, clinics and guest pros. Between matches, the plunge pool beckons—refreshment is never far. 8. Soneva Fushi, Maldives Tucked deep in the jungle on a private island in the Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi's tennis courts are a masterclass in barefoot luxury. There's a choice between open-air or covered Olympic-sized courts, both surrounded by tropical greenery and cooled by ocean breezes. Guests can book sessions with resident pros or visiting stars through the resort's 'Soneva Stars' programme. It's tennis reimagined. 9. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda Set above the pastel shores of Sinky Bay, the Hamilton Princess features three tennis courts in an unexpected hue—pink. Framed by palms and just steps from the private beach club, these hard courts are fully functional yet distinctly photogenic. Lessons with on-site pros are available, and equipment is complimentary for guests. It's a place where the sport feels playful, a little surreal and utterly of its surroundings. These tennis courts aren't just backdrops—they're destinations in themselves. Whether you play like a pro or barely hold a racquet, visiting one of these sites offers a reminder that the beauty of sport lies as much in its setting as its technique.
Time Out
2 days ago
- General
- Time Out
Will the Red Hook Pool ever open this summer after numerous delays? Here's the latest
It's been a scorcher of a summer already in New York City, but for Red Hook, one vital cool-down spot remains stubbornly out of commission. The Red Hook Pool, a beloved Olympic-sized oasis that's served the Brooklyn waterfront since 1936, never opened for the season. Just days before its planned June 27 debut, a decades-old pipe 'completely disintegrated,' according to NYC Parks officials, halting operations before the first splash. Since then, the timeline has shifted like a pool noodle in the deep end. First slated for a July 19 reopening, that date was quickly scrapped once it became clear the busted 16-inch feeder pipe needed to be custom-fabricated—a process that takes weeks. Now, the earliest projected reopening is mid-August, leaving just a few fleeting weeks before city pools close on September 7. That news hasn't gone over well with locals. Alan Mukamal, a longtime resident who recently founded Friends of the Red Hook Pool, said the city's suggested alternatives aren't practical for many families. 'I had little kids, I know I wasn't going to get them on a bus to go two miles, transfer, go swimming, get back on the bus with the air conditioner on, they're all wet,' he told Brooklyn Paper. 'It's not a realistic thing.' Council Member Alexa Avilés echoed the frustration, noting the city's failure to provide alternative options or timely communication. 'These delays are really frustrating,' she told the paper. 'To see [a needed upgrade] drag on forever and then impact pool operations is very frustrating.' Red Hook has felt the ripple effects of long-neglected infrastructure before. The pool and adjacent recreation center were badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy and are now in line for a $122 million rebuild, slated to begin in 2028. That project will fully replace the pool basin, filtration systems and add resiliency upgrades, but it's cold comfort to residents sweating it out in 2025. In the meantime, community members and groups like New Yorkers for Parks are calling for action: faster fixes, shuttle service to other pools and transparency around what's next. 'Pools are not a luxury, they are essential to communities, so to have this pool close on the first day the pools were supposed to open—that's heartbreaking,' said Kathy Park Price, director of advocacy and policy at New Yorkers for Parks, in an interview with The City. While the Red Hook Pool will technically—just barely—open for the season, this summer of no-swim has left many residents high and dry in a neighborhood where access to green space and public cooling options are already limited.
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
China's Brahmaputra dam flurry is India's worry
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated April 7, 2025)Originating from the icy grip of the Angsi Glacier, near the northern slopes of the Himalayas, close to Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet, the Yarlung Tsangpo—known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and the Brahmaputra in Assam—embarks on a long and winding 2,900 km journey. It flows eastward across the Tibetan Plateau, a seemingly calm giant, until it reaches the easternmost edge of the Himalayas. And then, it encounters an obstacle—a towering 7,782-metre peak called the Namcha Barwa. But the river does not stop. In one of nature's most breathtaking feats, it takes a dramatic U-turn around the mountain—the Great Bend, one of the sharpest and most spectacular river bends on follows is pure fury. The river plunges into the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, a monstrous 500km-long chasm with depths exceeding 5,000 metres—nearly five times the height of Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world. It is one of the deepest and most treacherous canyons on the planet, where the river transforms into a roaring beast, its waters churning with an unstoppable force. This is where China wants to step in. The steep gradient at the Great Bend holds unparalleled hydroelectric potential that Beijing is determined to exploit. The plan? A colossal hydropower project embedded deep into the unforgiving terrain of Medog County, Tibet—one of the last unexplored and most geologically unstable regions on Earth. It is a project of staggering proportions, a testament to human ambition and engineering an estimated cost of $137 billion (Rs 11.9 lakh crore), this is poised to become the most powerful hydropower facility ever attempted, generating a jaw-dropping 60 GW of electricity annually—three times the output of China's own Three Gorges Dam, the current world record-holder, and surpassing the UK's entire annual energy consumption. Expected to be completed by 2033, the scale of the project is mind-boggling. To divert nearly half of the river's flow, Chinese engineers plan to drill tunnels up to 12.5 miles long through the Namcha Barwa mountain, rerouting 2,000 cubic metres of water per second—enough to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools every second. INDIA'S GREAT WORRYWhile China presents the project as a step toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, for India and Bangladesh, it signals a looming disaster. The dam's location, barely 30 km from Arunachal Pradesh, places it alarmingly close to India's border, raising security concerns in New Delhi. Worst-case scenarios throw up a nightmarish picture: if the dam were to fail—due to engineering flaws, an earthquake or even sabotage—the consequences would be catastrophic. A towering surge of water could rip through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, wiping out entire towns within minutes. 'This Chinese project isn't just a tease,' says Michael Kugelman, director of the Washington-based South Asia Institute. 'China has the capacity to mobilise capital quickly and build out large-scale infrastructure projects without delays, thanks to its centralised economy and undemocratic politics. This means New Delhi needs to start thinking now about how to mitigate the possible deleterious implications—especially for water security, the environment and geopolitics.'advertisementThe Brahmaputra is a vital artery that sustains millions across four countries—China (50.5 per cent), India (33.6), Bangladesh (8.1) and Bhutan (7.8). More than just a waterway, it sustains agriculture, drinking water and energy needs, making any disruption to its flow a serious concern. For India, the primary worry is China's ability to control the Brahmaputra's flow. If Beijing releases excess water during monsoons, devastating floods could ravage India's northeastern states, particularly Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, where nearly 40 per cent of the land is already flood-prone. The fallout—mass displacement, infrastructure collapse and economic devastation—would be restricting water flow during dry months could cripple agriculture, hydropower generation and drinking water supplies. Given that the Brahmaputra accounts for nearly 30 per cent of India's freshwater resources, any interference poses a strategic threat. 'The proposed hydropower project has the potential to alter the flow dynamics of the Yarlung Tsangpo-Brahmaputra, affecting water availability, by influencing both groundwater and surface water levels,' warns Genevieve Donnellon-May, a researcher at the Oxford Global For Assam, the implications for agriculture are particularly alarming. The river's nutrient-rich sediments sustain rice, tea and jute cultivation. Any disruption—excessive flooding or drought—could slash crop yields, threaten food security and financially cripple thousands of farmers. If upstream damming reduces sediment flow, it could accelerate riverbank erosion, degrade soil fertility and leave lasting ecological concerns over China's hydropower ambitions are well founded. In 2000, severe flooding in Arunachal Pradesh's Pasighat was linked to a dam collapse on Tibet's Yigong River. In 2012, the Siang River mysteriously ran dry, prompting then chief minister advisor Tako Dabi to blame China's dams. In 2016, China blocked the Xiabuqu River near India's border for the Lalho hydropower project, further raising suspicions. A year later, the Siang's waters turned black, igniting accusations against China. While Beijing dismissed the claims, satellite images later revealed that earthquakes on the Tibetan Plateau had triggered landslides, sending sediment downstream. 'Storing water in a region with extensive mineral extraction—Tibet is home to over 100 exploited minerals—leads to contamination as mining runoff mixes with the water, forming black soot. Arunachal Pradesh has already seen instances of blackened water,' says Srikanth Kondapalli, professor of Chinese Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Adding to the uncertainty, open-source data from the Tibetan Autonomous Region suggests irregular river flow patterns in 2024, deviating from the trends of the past 25 raises even deeper concerns is China's broader ambition—to divert the Yarlung Tsangpo to its arid Xinjiang province. Gopal Dhawan, founder and chairman of the Dr Dhawan Academy of Geologists, and former CMD, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd and NHPC, warns that if China stores and redirects water through an inter-basin transfer scheme, 'any projects we develop will face water shortages and be adversely affected.' Though several experts rule out any such possibility, doubts persist. 'The Medog dam appears to be a hydroelectric project rather than a water storage and diversion initiative. But given China's track record of undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects, such a possibility cannot be ruled out,' says A.K. Bajaj, former chairman of the Central Water Commission. Amid these uncertainties, New Delhi has made its apprehensions clear to Beijing. 'We have consistently raised concerns over China's mega river projects,' says foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, asserting India's lower riparian rights. He states that India will continue pressing China to safeguard downstream interests and 'take necessary measures to protect our interests'. CHINA'S WATER HEGEMONYThe Tibetan Plateau feeds 10 major river systems sustaining over a dozen Asian nations. Among them, two stand out for their geopolitical weight: the Mekong, which courses through Southeast Asia, and the Brahmaputra. China's aggressive dam-building along these rivers has triggered alarm over its push for hydro-hegemony, particularly given its refusal to sign water-sharing treaties. China's treatment of the Mekong offers a stark warning for India and Bangladesh. Over two decades, Beijing has constructed 12 massive dams along the river's upper reaches, disrupting natural flows and worsening environmental stress downstream. In 2019, despite above-average rainfall, China's upstream dams hoarded record amounts of water, triggering droughts in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. In 2021, it slashed the Mekong's flow by 50 per cent for three weeks—citing power-line maintenance—without prior notice, leaving millions struggling for irrigation, fisheries and drinking water. These unilateral actions stoke fears that Beijing could deploy similar tactics on the Medog dam isn't an isolated project but part of a grand strategy. Sayanangshu Modak, a doctoral researcher at the University of Arizona's School of Geography, Development and Environment, says the Yarlung Tsangpo stretch was marked for hydropower as early as 2003. Since the 2010s, China has steadily expanded its hydropower footprint on the Brahmaputra's upper reaches. The Zangmu dam, completed in 2015, set the stage for further projects at Dagu, Jiacha and Jiexu. Satellite imagery now reveals nearly 20 dams—large and small—along the river, signalling Beijing's long-term water ambitions. 'The new move appears to be the latest step by Beijing to maintain an upper hand in the region's water geography,' says is also wary of the timing of the Medog dam approval, which came just as New Delhi and Beijing resumed talks after a prolonged diplomatic freeze post-Doklam (2017) and Galwan (2020). Many analysts see it as a calculated move to pressure India in border negotiations. By intertwining territorial disputes with transboundary rivers, Beijing is likely angling for strategic concessions. A HIMALAYAN BLUNDER?As debate rages over the potential impact of the Medog Dam on India and Bangladesh, one fact is undisputed: its construction poses irreversible ecological risks to the fragile Himalayan region. Dams can trigger tremors, a phenomenon known as reservoir-induced seismicity—when the immense weight of impounded water destabilises fault lines of the Earth. 'The sheer weight of a vast reservoir could induce small earthquakes by exerting pressure on the Earth's crust. In an already hyper-seismic zone, the consequences of such stress remain dangerously unpredictable,' warn Robert Wasson, adjunct professor, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Australia, and emeritus professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University, and Shukla Acharjee, assistant professor, Centre for Studies in Geography, Dibrugarh seismic threats, the dam's sheer scale demands mass deforestation, stripping the region of its green cover and natural stabilisers. Without tree roots anchoring the soil, heavy monsoon rains could trigger deadly mudslides, raising the risk of dam Himalayas, already crumbling under climate stress, have seen a surge in Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, avalanches and landslides. 'On March 22, 2021, a massive glacier collapsed in the Sedongpu River basin, on the left bank of the Grand Canyon of the Yarlung Tsangpo and blocked the river and caused water levels to rise by 10 metres,' says Modak. Wasson and Acharjee note that the Tsangpo Gorge is one of the most geologically dynamic—and possibly the most active—regions on Earth. 'It experiences extreme floods, with peak flows reaching up to a million cubic metres per second. A single such flood can erode as much of the gorge as 4,000 years' worth of annual flow,' they region's volatile geo-morphology also makes dam stability a growing concern. Earthquakes, heavy siltation and landslides will shorten the dams' lifespan. After the January 7 earthquake, inspections of 14 hydropower dams in Tibet found structural cracks in five, forcing three to be emptied. 'This region is the most sediment-rich and sediment-producing area on Earth. As a result, dams here degrade faster, increasing the risk for downstream populations,' says Ruth Gamble, deputy director (research), La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University, Australia, who specialises in the environmental, cultural and climate history of Tibet, the Himalayas and its part, China insists the Medog project is a clean energy game-changer, not a geopolitical weapon. Wang Lei, charg d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in India, dismisses concerns about adverse impacts on India and Bangladesh, framing the project as a climate-friendly solution that will power 300 million people while curbing fossil fuel use. Backing this stance, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun says the project underwent rigorous scientific evaluation and poses no risk to downstream ecosystems, geological stability or water rights. Instead, Beijing argues it will help mitigate floods and aid climate adaptation in India and Bangladesh. However, China's assurances on the Medog Dam ring hollow, given its track record of secrecy, unilateralism and broken commitments on transboundary rivers. Independent researcher Gabriel Lafitte has highlighted that past Chinese project announcements have been long on statistics but short on execution details. WAITING TO BE DAMMED: The Siang River near Along in Arunachal Pradesh. (Photo: Alamy) INDIA'S COUNTERA decade ago, India embarked on a defensive hydropower strategy to counter China's upstream dam-building spree on the Brahmaputra. Rooted in the international legal principle of 'prior appropriation'—which grants water rights to the first user—India's plan aims to pre-emptively secure control over the river's flow. 'India can still challenge Beijing by constructing its own dams near the border, keeping China on edge. This would give New Delhi some leverage in potential water negotiations with Beijing,' says Beijing announced the Medog Dam, India has accelerated plans for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)—a colossal hydropower dam in Arunachal Pradesh intended to counter China's influence over the river. With a proposed capacity of 11,000 MW, SUMP's reservoir would hold 9.2 billion cubic metres (bcm) of water, compared to Medog's 5.5 bcm. Estimated at $17 billion (Rs 1.5 lakh crore), it will be India's most powerful hydroelectric project, designed to regulate water flow, mitigate seasonal droughts and serve as a safeguard against sudden surges from Chinese dams. While feasibility surveys areUnderway in Parong, a remote hamlet in Siang district, SUMP has faced resistance since its proposal by NITI Aayog in 2017. The project threatens to submerge over 30 villages, putting thousands at risk of also warn against escalating the dam race, as it could prompt China to fast-track its own projects, capitalising on its superior execution speed to shift the balance further in its favour. Such a move might also strain relations with Bangladesh, a crucial downstream stakeholder in any future Brahmaputra basin management framework. 'The concerns we've raised about China's projects are equally relevant to Bangladesh,' notes Prof. B.R. Deepak of the Centre for Chinese & Southeast Asian Studies at than pursuing a spree of dam construction, experts urge India to strengthen its northeastern water management systems. This includes enhancing independent river flow monitoring from China using advanced satellite technology, refining flood risk assessments and upgrading telemetry stations. Gamble points out that India lags behind China in studying Himalayan ecology and river systems. 'India has yet to thoroughly analyse the flow data China has provided on the Yarlung Tsangpo. Instead of issuing threats over dam construction, India must invest in a deeper understanding of the region's hydrology and risks. Armed with this knowledge, it can engage China in informed negotiations, presenting concrete evidence on the downstream impacts,' she and China share several major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Indus. However, water-sharing remains a contentious issue, in the absence of a formal treaty. Despite China's upper riparian advantage, India can push for stronger data-sharing commitments under international conventions like the UN Watercourses Convention, which mandates that no country can take actions significantly harming another. However, neither India nor China is a signatory, and no Brahmaputra basin nation has ratified the 2014 UN Convention on Non-Navigational Water Uses, rendering first-user rights the Brahmaputra's turbulent waters, survival will depend not on the might of dams but on the foresight of nations.—with India Today NE BureauSubscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
Metro
3 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Where hosepipe ban for millions comes into place today
Beginning this morning, millions more people are now under a hosepipe ban as Southern Water aims to address 'critically low levels'. Southern Water has introduced the ban across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which comes into effect at 9 am today. Residents won't be able to use a hosepipe to do activities like watering the garden, washing their car, or filling a paddling pool. The company's managing director, Tim McMahon, said: 'Only by working together can we make sure there's enough water to go around for customers and the environment.' A spokesperson for Southern Water added: 'The Environment Agency has declared the Solent and South Downs in 'prolonged dry weather'. 'We need to work together to protect precious chalk streams and keep taps flowing.' The firm said it will remove the hosepipe ban 'as soon as we can', but this can only happen once its reservoirs, rivers and underground aquifers have refilled enough to meet demand. Customers in the affected areas could face a £1,000 fine if they're caught using their hosepipe unnecessarily – but Southern Water said they will 'always' remind people about restrictions before taking any action. But hosepipe bans bring to light the number of leaks in Britain's fragile water infrastructure, which cost customers £396million every year. Many customers feel angry that they are asked to stop watering their garden or washing their car, when 19% of treated water is lost to leaks before it even comes out of the tap. Southern Water has already placed a disclaimer on its website telling customers they will not receive a discount on their bills during the hosepipe ban period, saying the restrictions are in place to 'help to protect local rivers and keep taps flowing this summer'. The firm is one of several ordered last year to repay a total of £157million to customers after missing key targets on reducing pollution, leaks and supply interruptions. More than 3billion litres of water were wasted every day in England and Wales between 2020 and 2023 due to leaky pipes, amounting to 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools a day. But Mr McMahon says his team is 'working 24/7' to find and fix leaks. He added: 'We're using a wide range of innovative solutions like drones, sensors and even sniffer dogs, and are ensuring that our pipes, reservoirs and water supply works are working as efficiently as possible – but sadly this is not enough.' Thames Water announced a hosepipe ban on Monday while bans were announced by South West Water and Yorkshire Water earlier this week. Millions more people across England will soon face hosepipe bans that come into force later this week or early next week. PO14/30/31/32/33/34/35/36/37/38/39/40/41 SO14/16/18/19/21/22/24/31/40/43/45/50/51/40/53 RG20/28/26/19/28 SP10/11/5 Reservoirs are drying up thanks to a long period of dry and hot weather, with the UK experiencing three heatwaves practically back-to-back after the hottest June on record. Rain is forecast across the UK later this week, but this will only do so much to refill our reservoirs. In Yorkshire, for example, reservoirs are only 53.8% full, far lower than the 80.9% average for this time of year. More Trending Droughts have been declared so far in Cumbria and Lancashire, Yorkshire, the East and West Midlands, and Greater Manchester, Chester and Merseyside. Plus the Environment Agency says much of the rest of England is experiencing 'prolonged dry weather', with only East Anglia, London, Kent and Cornwall experiencing normal rainfall levels recently. Droughts are declared based on reservoir levels, river flows, and how dry the soil is – and back in May, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology warned many of the UK's rivers had hit exceptionally low levels. This has an impact on agriculture, as farmers have had to start watering their crops earlier rather than being able to rely on rainfall. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: 'Saie's new setting powder is the 2-in-1 summer staple to set my make-up and add a glow' MORE: Should the voting age be lowered or raised and what about a top limit? MORE: Don't expect water bills to stop rising after we overhaul sector, minister warns
