By Ethan Gudge, South of England

Copyright bbc

Thames Water said it continued to “do everything we can to keep all our customers supplied with top quality drinking water”.

This included fixing leaks, using smart technology to manage water pressures, and closely monitoring demand across the network, the company added.

The hosepipe ban outlaws the use of a hosepipe for things like watering the garden, washing the car or filling a paddling pool.

Anyone living in areas with postcodes beginning OX, GL, SN, RG4, RG8 and RG9 using a hosepipe can be fined up to £1,000.

It does not affect businesses where hosepipe use is part of their purpose, for example garden centres and car washes.