A hosepipe ban has been announced from April 5.

Sutton and East Surrey Water has banned the use of hosepipes due to the "continuing drought".

Six other English water companies made similar announcements today across South East England, East Anglia and parts of the Midlands.

Mike Hegarty, Sutton and East Surrey Water's Operations Director, said: "We very much regret having to impose this domestic hosepipe ban but we have no choice if we are to protect the best interests of all our customers by ensuring the long-term security of their water supply."

"Most people will be aware that Sutton and East Surrey Water – along with other water companies in the South East – has been warning for some time that restrictions may have to be introduced."

The hosepipe and sprinkler ban affects domestic customers only.

Autumn and winter rainfall has so far been only 67 per cent of the average.

Boreholes are at near record low levels and showing no signs of recovering according to the company.

The company, which last imposed a hosepipe ban in 2005/6, said Spring last year was the driest since its records began in 1910.