More water could be taken from the Thames if the drought continues

The region has been in drought since February, with Thames Water introducing a hosepipe ban in place from April 5.
Six other water companies also enforced a hosepipe ban before Easter, but the past week across England and Wales since the start of January, with rainfall totals ranging from 14mm in south east to 34mm in Wales.
However, Thames Water says the hosepipe ban is still in place and is continuing its negotiations with the Environment Agency to take more water from the lower River Thames in London.
Elsewhere in the country, drought permits have been issued to Southern Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water and Anglian Water.
Spokesman for Thames Water, Simon Evans said: “We’ve prepared the drought permits. If things stay as they are we may have to enforce them at the end of the month.
“In 2006 we were granted permits but didn’t use them because we had twice the average rainfall in May.”
National drought co-ordinator for the Environment Agency, Helen Vale said: “Although there has been some welcome rain recently, the drought has not gone away and it is as important as ever that businesses, water companies and consumers all play their part by using water wisely.
“The amount of water that we use at home and in our businesses has a direct effect on the amount of water available in the environment, for wildlife and for farmers – so we would urge everyone to start using less water now, whether or not they live in an area with a hosepipe ban.”
In the first ten days in April the Thames Valley only had 30 per cent average rainfall.
Last month’s rainfall in the Thames Valley was 43 percent below average.
Please visit Thames Water’s website at www.thameswater.co.