What water companies are telling customers across UK amid drought fears

Households all across the UK have been warned by water companies to prepare for a drought all across the country.

It comes after the National Drought Group moved England's status into "Prolonged Dry Weather" - the final stage before an offical drought - during an emergency meeting last month. The Met Office estimated that July 2022 was the driest July for England since 1935 due to England only getting 35 per cent of its average rainfall for the month while Wales only got 53 per cent.

Currently, two water companies have announced a hosepipe ban while other companies are encouraging consumers to be mindful of how much water they use. Here's a breakdown of what each water company is currently recommending for its customers:

Read more: Young footballer suffered 'unsurvivable' head injury after car flipped during police chase

Anglian Water operates in the driest region in the UK where one-fifth of the rain usually expected actually fell in July. Despite reservoir levels remaining stable, officials are keeping a close eye out.

The company has currently refrained from announcing a hosepipe ban across the region, however, it is still urging people to use water wisely regardless of weather conditions.

A temporary hosepipe ban was implemented to protect Pembrokeshire's water supplies. Customers will be unable to use hosepipes from 8am on August 19, the company announced.

Ian Christie, Welsh Water’s managing director of water services, said: “We have not seen such prolonged dry conditions in Pembrokeshire since 1976. Introducing the hosepipe ban is not a decision we have taken lightly, but if we are to make sure there is enough water for the rest of the summer and into autumn then we need to act now to try and prevent any further