- Nearly 26 million people have their hosepipe use restricted as the UK braces for the fifth heatwave of the year.
- South West Water (SWW) became the latest supplier to announce a ban on August 8, joining eight other water companies across south England and Wales. Every southern county is now subject to a hosepipe ban.
- Almost half of England and the entirety of Wales are currently in drought, while officials will convene on Monday to determine whether more regions could fall into drought conditions.
- According to Met Office figures, central and south-east England have see the longest unbroken spell of no recorded rainfall this century.
- Breaching an official hosepipe ban carries a fine of up to £1,000, while a ban is different to an advisory notice.
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