The council has taken steps to preserve water now a hosepipe ban is under way across the borough.

The ban came in to force on April 5, with Thames Water, Veolia Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water all imposing restrictions in Elmbridge.

The ban extends to watering allotments, gardens, sports pitches, golf courses and parks.

During the ban, Elmbridge Council will not top up ponds if water levels drop and will transfer fish elsewhere if necessary.

Bowling greens and cricket squares cannot be watered using a hosepipe so advice will be given.

Hanging baskets and troughs provided by the council will continue to use water retentive compost and water collected from a bowser overnight.

Commercial car valeting and washing in the council’s main Esher, Weybridge and Cobham car parks, which use water from small bowsers, is permissible under the current ban and will continue for the time being.

Waste collection vehicles will continue to be washed for health reasons and the use of council paddling pools will be reviewed nearer the start of the school holidays.

Following previous droughts, a number of water butts have been installed across the borough by the council, at the Civic Centre, Churchfields Recreation Ground, Stompond Lane and all cemeteries so collected rainwater can then be used as and when needed.