Wessex Water, which serves most of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire, as well as parts of Dorset and Gloucestershire, has not introduced a hosepipe ban since 1976. It said there were a number of factors at play, including the fact 75% of its water source came from groundwater, which it said was more resilient against dry weather.

Only by working together can we make sure there's enough water to go around for customers and the environment.'

The hosepipe ban will come into effect in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight from 9am on Monday, the company said in a statement. The restrictions will affect close to a million Southern Water customers.