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Drought: Three water firms set to lift hosepipe bans Drought: Three water firms are to lift hosepipe bans
(40 minutes later)
Three water companies have signalled they will lift their hosepipe bans. Three water companies are to lift their hosepipe bans after further heavy rain.
Seven firms put restrictions on water use in April to combat drought in southern and eastern England after two unusually dry winters.Seven firms put restrictions on water use in April to combat drought in southern and eastern England after two unusually dry winters.
But the restrictions were followed by record rainfall across England that month and more rain in May and June.But the restrictions were followed by record rainfall across England that month and more rain in May and June.
Anglian Water, Southern Water and Thames Water are to officially announce on Wednesday that their bans will end on Thursday. Anglian Water, Southern Water and Thames Water have confirmed that they are to remove the restrictions from midnight on Wednesday.
Last week, the Environment Agency said wet weather had significantly improved river levels and reservoir stocks and reduced the risk of drought and widespread water restrictions this summer.Last week, the Environment Agency said wet weather had significantly improved river levels and reservoir stocks and reduced the risk of drought and widespread water restrictions this summer.
South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Veolia Water Central and Veolia Water Southeast have confirmed that their hosepipe bans remain in place. South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Veolia Water Central and Veolia Water Southeast have confirmed their hosepipe bans remain in place.
Richard Aylard, sustainability director for Thames Water, which has 8.8m customers in London and the Thames Valley, told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: "The real problem is that there are four water companies that are very heavily dependent on ground water and they need to keep their hosepipe bans in place, but those of us who are fortunate enough to have lots of surface water... we can lift the bans now." Richard Aylard, sustainability director for Thames Water, which has 8.8m customers in London and the Thames Valley, said: "We don't need a ban, but we do need to ask everyone to keep on using water wisely."
He added: "The most important thing is to really push on with using water efficiently. We all use more water than we need to."
Anglian Water, which supplies customers in the east of England and Hartlepool, said a combination of factors - including the wet weather - had eased pressure on the water system.Anglian Water, which supplies customers in the east of England and Hartlepool, said a combination of factors - including the wet weather - had eased pressure on the water system.
Southern Water confirmed it was lifting its restrictions in Kent and Sussex.Southern Water confirmed it was lifting its restrictions in Kent and Sussex.
Rain and floodingRain and flooding
Heavy rain since the weekend has caused flooding in Wales and some parts of southern England.Heavy rain since the weekend has caused flooding in Wales and some parts of southern England.
On Tuesday, the village of Elmer in West Sussex was evacuated after days of rain.On Tuesday, the village of Elmer in West Sussex was evacuated after days of rain.
The Environment Agency has issued five flood warnings and 22 flood alerts, including 17 in the South East. The Environment Agency has issued five flood warnings and 21 flood alerts, including 16 in the South East.
As yet, there are no severe flood warnings - the highest alert, meaning there is a danger to life.As yet, there are no severe flood warnings - the highest alert, meaning there is a danger to life.
BBC Weather said there could heavy showers in western areas on Wednesday, which could cause flooding.BBC Weather said there could heavy showers in western areas on Wednesday, which could cause flooding.
The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for Wednesday for the south-west and north-west England, the West Midlands and Wales.The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for Wednesday for the south-west and north-west England, the West Midlands and Wales.
The public should be aware of the risk of localised flooding, it said.The public should be aware of the risk of localised flooding, it said.
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It said heavy showers could lead to surface water flooding, particularly in west Wales, where the ground has been saturated by recent heavy rain.It said heavy showers could lead to surface water flooding, particularly in west Wales, where the ground has been saturated by recent heavy rain.
Environment Agency Wales said river levels were not expected to rise much further, but also warned that "heavy showers could lead to localised flooding of roads from blocked drains or small streams".Environment Agency Wales said river levels were not expected to rise much further, but also warned that "heavy showers could lead to localised flooding of roads from blocked drains or small streams".
On Saturday about 1,000 people were moved to safety from flooding in mid-Wales, with an estimated 150 rescued.On Saturday about 1,000 people were moved to safety from flooding in mid-Wales, with an estimated 150 rescued.
Rain and surface water flooding on Tuesday caused more disruption around the country, including:Rain and surface water flooding on Tuesday caused more disruption around the country, including:
  • More than 20 people were rescued from flooded caravans at two holiday parks in West Sussex
  • Fire crews across West Sussex dealt with more than 650 emergency calls in 18 hours - the same number they usually receive in a month
  • More than 20 people were rescued from flooded caravans at two holiday parks in West Sussex
  • Fire crews across West Sussex dealt with more than 650 emergency calls in 18 hours - the same number they usually receive in a month
The adverse weather has also affected roads in various parts of the country and the BBC's Travel Unit has full details of delays and incidents on its website.The adverse weather has also affected roads in various parts of the country and the BBC's Travel Unit has full details of delays and incidents on its website.
The Environment Agency has urged people to remain vigilant and to check its website for the latest information.The Environment Agency has urged people to remain vigilant and to check its website for the latest information.
It "strongly" advised the public to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood waters.It "strongly" advised the public to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood waters.
12 months of drought previous slide next slide12 months of drought previous slide next slide
Have you been affected by the hosepipe ban? What is your reaction to Thames Water's proposals? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Have you been affected by the hosepipe ban? What is your reaction to Thames Water's proposals? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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