[ad_1]
The UK is on the verge of its first hosepipe ban since 2012, as the heatwave enters its 14th day with temperatures set to soar past 30C.
United Utilities, which serves seven million people in the north-west of England, warned demand for water was so high a hosepipe ban was just “days away”.
And despite there not being a country-wide hosepipe ban yet, one has been implemented in Northern Ireland, which came into effect on June 29 at 6pm.
Northern Ireland Water chief executive Sara Venning said: “We have maximised our water production and need customers’ help to reduce demand.
“We are asking customers to take heed of the hosepipe ban and stop non-essential water use – using hoses and sprinklers is causing demand to exceed the capacity to supply.”
Along with the British public, Royal Palaces including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle, will also be affected if a ban takes place across the rest of the UK.
Historic Royal Palaces told Express.co.uk: “If a hosepipe ban is implemented in England, we will comply across all of our London sites.”
Water companies have the power to impose restrictions on how people can use water in times of “serious shortage”.
Temporary bans can make it illegal for people to water their gardens with a hosepipe.
The Royal Palaces plan to use “alternative natural water sources” where possible “to care for our gardens during this time.”
Some water companies have already asked their customers to cut back on their use of water.
Southern Water have asked people to spend no longer than four minutes in the shower.
The company said: “With temperatures rising and a heatwave sweeping across the UK, we are hitting peak demand for water.
“Water is a precious resource and it’s important that we all do what we can to reduce wastage, come rain or shine.
“This can include simple measures such as turning off taps when you’re brushing your teeth, swapping a bath for a four-minute shower and watering your garden with harvested rain.
“This can make a huge difference to water supply levels across the region.”
On June 30 Severn Trent Water in the Midlands asked their customers not to use hosepipes and sprinklers.
Severn Trent said: “We’re set for another hot weekend, and, with demand for water really high, we’re producing millions of extra litres.
“We’re asking customers to be careful with their water and for now avoid using the garden sprinkler or hosepipe.”
Anyone found guilty of breaking a ban can be prosecuted in a criminal court and fined up to £1,000.
[ad_2]
