Hosepipe ban is in force while sections of local waterways are to be closed

It was announced in February that West Berkshire was officially in a drought, at which point Thames Water warned that a hosepipe ban was ‘inevitable’.
Thames Water is one of seven companies in south England that will impose a ban, which applies to 8.8m customers in the Thames Valley.
Spokesman for Thames Water, Simon Evans said the ban would be in place for the foreseeable future, with below average rainfall in 20 of the last 25 months.
Last month’s rainfall was 43 percent below average.
Mr Evans said: “Following two of the driest years in our region since records began, we, regrettably, have to impose a hosepipe ban.
“This is the first main step of our company drought response plan, which has one aim – getting everyone to use less water. Running a sprinkler for an hour uses as much water as a family of four uses in a whole day. Right now families’ needs must come first.
“With no way of knowing what the weather will bring, we are continuing to plan for the worst while of course hoping for the best.”
Mr Evans said if the drought continues then Thames Water may apply for an emergency drought permit to allow the water company to take more water from the lower River Thames in London.
“Obtaining a drought permit can take four to eight weeks, which is why we are planning to put in our application in mid April, in readiness for possible use later in the summer.
“If the weather stays dry, we are also preparing to apply in April for a non-essential use ban, or drought order, which, if required, would enable us to impose further water use restrictions later in the summer, particularly for commercial customers.”
Domestic swimming pools, paddling pools, water features and ponds cannot be filled up during the hosepipe ban.
However, people with severe mobility problems who hold a current blue badge issued by their local authority can use their hosepipe to water their allotment or garden.
British Waterways, the organisation responsible for maintaining 2000 miles of inland waterways, including the Kennet and Avon Canal, will also be imposing water restrictions.
Locks between lock 7 at Bath, Somerset, lock 80, Copse Lock, Kintbury, will be closed between 5pm and 9am with immediate effect.
Spokesman for British Waterways, Stephen Hardy said: “We’ll be keeping a close eye on things and will amend the plans where appropriate.
“The restrictions will give the canal the opportunity to recover overnight and to prevent any unnecessary wastage through vandalism or through boaters accidentally leaving paddles open.”
Many parts of the canal are drying up, with many tributaries of the River Thames are running low. The River Pang (pictured) running at a third of its long-term average flow where it joins the Thames at Pangbourne, and the river has dried up completely from upstream of Bucklebury to its source seven miles north at Compton.
Please visit Thames Water’s website at www.thameswater.co.uk/drought for full information on the hosepipe ban, including a list of those who are exempt.