Thames Water to implement hosepipe ban in coming weeks

Thames Water has confirmed it will be implementing a hosepipe ban in the coming weeks.

The water utility company has not yet announced when this ban will come into force.

This comes after a forecast of extreme heat predicted for the UK, particularly in the South of England.

This will affect around 15 million people, including West Berkshire, after Southern Water already implemented a ban on Hampshire last week.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “Given the long-term forecast of dry weather and another forecast of very hot temperatures coming this week, we are planning to announce a temporary use ban in the coming weeks.

"We have written to the Environment Agency to update them on our approach and informed Ofwat.

“The timing is not confirmed due to a number of operational and legal procedural requirements but we will be updating our customers, partners, regulators and stakeholders at the earliest time to ensure a co-ordinated approach.

"In the meantime, we continue to urge our customers to only use what they need for their essential use.”

A Met Office amber weather warning for extreme heat has been issued for the south of the country from Thursday to Sunday.