Britain’s record-breaking spring could see hosepipe bans for the summer, millions of families have been warned.
Water restrictions in large chunks of the country are now “inevitable” after an “unusually dry” March and April left supplies scarce.
The Environment Agency said that without a period of prolonged rainfall the risk of bans was “medium”.
But one well-placed source at the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs told the Express bans were now “almost inevitable”.
This has been the driest start to spring for 69 years and only half of the amount of rain expected fell in April.
The UK has had an average rainfall of just 80mm (3.1ins) so far this spring compared to a normal 229mm (9ins).
The recent warm weather is set to continue for the next fortnight with temperatures surging to an average of 24C (75F) placing further strain on a stretched system.
The threat of drought and hosepipe bans disproportionately affects the midlands and north.
According to the EA “Rivers and public water supply reservoirs are lower than normal, with levels dropping earlier than typically expected” in central and northern England.
In the south east and eastern England “river flows remain generally normal, supported by healthy groundwater reserves”.
The National Drought Group met on May 7.
Although there are currently no hosepipe bans planned, water companies might have to act if the dry spell continues.
The most recent widespread hosepipe ban was in 2012. Households in Sussex, Kent, Devon and Cornwall were slapped with orders in 2022.
Bans forbid the use of hosepipes connected to a mains supply, including garden sprinklers. Breaking orders could result in fines of up to £1,000. During the last round of enforcement three years ago people were encouraged to grass on neighbours and those knowingly flouting the rules.
During the stifling 2022 heatwave South East Water, which supplies 520 million litres every day, issued a desperate plea to customers saying: “This has been a time of extreme weather conditions across the UK. Official figures show this is the driest July on record since 1935 and the period between November and July has been the driest eight-month stint since 1976. During July in the South East, we have only seen 8 per cent of average rainfall for the month, and the long term forecast is for similar weather.
“The demand for water this summer has broken all previous records, including the Covid lockdown heatwave.
“We have been left with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers until further notice.
“We are taking this step to ensure we have enough water for both essential use and to protect the environment. This will enable us to also reduce the amount of water we need to take from already stressed local water sources.”
Thames Water and South West Water are now the two least trusted suppliers, according to the Consumer Council for Water, with those less than two-thirds of households satisfied they receive value for money.
Last week Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “Our water infrastructure is crumbling after years of underinvestment.
“Water companies must go further and faster to cut leaks and build the infrastructure needed to secure our water supply.”
