Water companies say more restrictions are expected in the days ahead

Receive all the latest news directly to your inbox with our HampshireLive newsletter

The country's first hosepipe ban has now come into force with another set to be imposed on August 12- and more companies warning bans are likely unless there is significant rain in the next few days. Months of little rainfall, combined with record-breaking temperatures in July, have left rivers at exceptionally low levels, depleted reservoirs and dried out soils.

The Met Office has warned there is “very little meaningful rain” on the horizon for parched areas of England as temperatures are set to climb into the 30s next week. While it could mean another heatwave – when there are above-average temperatures for three days or more – it is likely conditions will be well below the 40C seen in some places last month.

The situation has prompted calls for action to reduce water consumption to protect the environment and supplies, and to restore the country’s lost wetlands “on an enormous scale” to tackle a future of more dry summers and droughts. People in areas with a ban will no longer be allowed to use a hosepipe to clean their cars among other activities, with fines up to £1,000 being issued to anyone breaking the rules.

Car maintenance expert Ollie Green of Collect Service Go has put together advice on how to keep your car clean during a hosepipe ban whilst avoiding any unnecessary fines: