WATER COMPANIES IN England may be forced to place a ban on the use of hosepipes as certain regions of the south and east of the country are hit by drought.

A new report by the Environment Agency looking at ways to deal with prospective spring and summer droughts said that water companies “may well have to introduce hosepipe bans and other restrictions”.

Measures already in place include leakage management and customer awareness campaigns but companies predict that they will need to step up actions in their drought plans.

Temporary use bans on water supplies may also be implemented.

The hosepipe ban will be introduced by seven companies on 5 April, according to BBC News. Fines of up to £1,000 could be imposed for non-compliance.

Areas affected by 17 months of extremely low rainfall would need well-above average rainfall over the next two months to ensure recovery.

However, Met Office forecasts predict more drier-than-usual conditions.

Both the Olympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee are not expected to be affected by the drought in the south east.

The Queen’s pageant will take place on a stretch of water which is supplied by tidal waters, said the agency. Both the Olympic Park and other venues have a “high level of resilience” to meet their needs even during a drought because of work carried out in recent months to provide sustainable supplies.

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The burning question*: Bottled water or tap?>

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