Millions of gardeners have been hit by the first hosepipe ban in Britain for four years. United Utilities imposed the ban at 6am on 9 July. Any gardeners caught flouting the rules risk fines of up to £1,000. United Utilities, which supplies seven million people in the north west, said it was facing its driest start to the year since 1929. Despite widespread flooding across the region last autumn, reservoir levels are now reported to have fallen to less than half their capacity.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly," said United Utilities' John Sanders. "But a hosepipe can use as much water in an hour as a family of four would use in one day. This ban will help us to safeguard essential water supplies to our customers if the drought continues."

The ban outlaws the use of hosepipes and sprinklers for watering private gardens and washing private cars. Gardeners will still be allowed to water plants using watering cans, and wash cars using a bucket and sponge.