Hosepipe ban hits 8 million
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain's biggest water company, Thames Water, yesterday announced an indefinite hosepipe ban from 3 April in response to one of the worst droughts in 100 years. Breaking the ban will incur a £1,000 fine.
Thames Water said it had been forced to introduce the ban - its first for 15 years - because of two consecutive winters of below-average rainfall in the South-east.
Jeremy Pelczer, chief executive of Thames Water, said: "We have to be prudent and introduce measures that will make best use of limited supplies."
The Environment Agency welcomed the ban but said areas of Kent and Sussex could see standpipes in the streets for the first time since 1976. This month ministers granted Folkestone and Dover Water powers to install compulsory meters in homes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments