Thames Water to introduce hosepipe ban ‘in coming weeks’

Ban will hit 15 million people in London and south-east England and could last until October

Fifteen million more people are to be hit with a hosepipe ban in London and the surrounding areas, as Thames Water has announced measures will be introduced in coming weeks".

These bans could come across the country, including in the north-east. Leaked Environment Agency documents seen by the Guardian show that Yorkshire Water, Severn Trent and South West Water are among companies are applying for drought permits, which would allow them to put bans in place.