As dry weather continues, three UK water companies have issued hosepipe bans. What do they mean and who do they affect?

Almost eight million people will be subject to a hosepipe ban by next week after Thames Water announced the third hosepipe ban of the summer.

Despite the increasing number of hosepipe bans across England, one loophole might allow households to use their hosepipes this summer. During a hosepipe ban, watering newly laid turf is often permitted for a limited time, typically 28 days.