THAMES WATER has confirmed it will introduce a temporary hosepipe ban due to the long term forecast of dry weather.

The water company said the ban will be imposed "in the coming weeks.” 

The timing of the ban is not confirmed due to a number of operational and legal procedural requirements, according to Thames Water.  

Thames Water supplies an estimated 15 million people across the South East, including in London, Oxfordshire and parts of Surrey.

The company urges customers to only use what they need for their essential use.

Three other water companies across the UK have also announced hosepipe bans to tackle dry weather conditions.

These are Welsh Water, Southern Water, and South East Water.

Thames Water has said their reservoir stocks have dropped below 50 per cent, which is 20 per cent lower than normal.

A spokesperson for Thames Water explained: “Our river levels remain low due to the lack of rain we’ve seen in our region.

“With those things in mind, we’re carefully reviewing our current and future position, taking into account the forecast for further high temperatures and little rainfall in the region.

“As a result, temporary use bans and drought permits are the options we’re considering.”

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