Several other water companies have already introduced hosepipe bans, including Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and South East Water. People found to be using a hosepipe during a ban can be fined up to £1,000. Mr McMahon said: "We have to respond to the widespread and prolonged dry weather affecting our region.

Millions more people are now under a hosepipe ban as Southern Water is the latest firm to introduce one. Southern Water has introduced the ban across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which will come into force at 9am on Monday.

Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban affecting 1.1mn customers across several areas in southern England in an effort to preserve water following persistent dry and warm weather.