Thames Water has said it will announce a hosepipe ban ‘in the coming weeks’ due to the ongoing dry weather.

It comes after two other water companies in England announced bans of their own to prevent reservoirs running out.

While there is expected to be some relief next week, with lower temperatures and potential thunderstorms, it is not expected to replenish dwindling water supplies.

Forecasters have said there still might not be adequate rainfall until October, meaning hosepipe bans could remain in place until then.

Thames Water supplies an estimated 15million people across the South East, including in London, Oxfordshire and parts of Surrey.

Since the start of the year, the region has had 144 days with little or no rain, and experienced record breaking temperatures of 40°C in July.

The timing of Thames Water’s announcement has not been confirmed ‘due to a number of operational and legal procedural requirements’.

In a statement, the company said: ‘Our aim is always to ensure that we will have enough water to supply our customers, regardless of the weather,” the statement 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.’

A hosepipe ban has also been in place in the Isle of Man since last month, with people facing fines of £2,000 for breaking it.

In a previous warning issued during last month’s heatwave, water demand reduction manager at Thames Water, Andrew Tucker, said: ‘During spells of hot weather, water usage can often rocket, with hoses and sprinklers watering gardens and paddling pools filled.

‘That makes it even more important to be mindful of water usage to ensure there’s enough to go around for everyone.’

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