Millions more in England facing hosepipe ban ahead of drought ruling

Yorkshire Water announces ban from 26 August and Thames Water could introduce measure from Friday

A hosepipe ban could be introduced as early as Friday by Britain's largest water company, covering London and much of the south-east of England, after a drought is declared across eight areas of England on Friday.

Thames Water is ready to go" with its hosepipe ban, according to its strategy and regulatory affairs director, Cathryn Ross, who said there was a process for introducing a ban but that it could be bypassed if an official declaration of drought is made on Friday.