Story perspectives

Hosepipe bans hit 27 million as drought deepens

8/19/2026

Summary

Water Firms Ban

Water firms have imposed hosepipe bans on 27 million people after a July 3 ban in Kent and Wessex Water’s first ban since 1976 covering 1.4 million customers.
Drought now grips England and Wales, reservoir storage is 65.9 % of capacity and water demand is about 30 % above average (?400 million L/day).
The Met Office forecasts heavy showers Tuesday-Thursday, but baked soils raise flash-flood risk and officials say hosepipe bans will likely stay in place.

Summary

Burnham Funds Farming

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a £65 million package, with £15 million for on-farm reservoirs and £50 million for the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
The scheme lets farmers graze or cut wildlife-habitat land when grass is scarce without losing payments.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw warned of a cash-flow crisis and urged urgent aid.
Green Alliance estimates that expanding half-domestic fruit and veg could add £1.9 billion to revenue and raise the share to 66 %.

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Water Firms Ban

Water firms have imposed hosepipe bans on 27 million people after a July 3 ban in Kent and Wessex Water’s first ban since 1976 covering 1.4 million customers.
Drought now grips England and Wales, reservoir storage is 65.9 % of capacity and water demand is about 30 % above average (?400 million L/day).
The Met Office forecasts heavy showers Tuesday-Thursday, but baked soils raise flash-flood risk and officials say hosepipe bans will likely stay in place.

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