South East Water, the main water supplier in Maidenhead, has announced it will be introducing a hosepipe ban.

The company said the ban is in response to lower than average rainfall since March and continued hot weather which has led to low river levels and the need to protect groundwater resources.

Hosepipe restrictions will be in place from 00:01 on Saturday, July 25 but the utility firm has asked customers to respect the ban immediately.

Customers should not use their hose pipes for watering their gardens, washing their cars or patios and for filling swimming pools and paddling pools.

Douglas Whitfield, water supply director for South East Water, said: “To safeguard our shared resource and help prevent any homes from facing a sudden loss of water, we sadly need to ask our communities to not use their hosepipes immediately.

“We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone helping us protect water supplies in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.”

The company said its raw water resources were in a healthy position throughout the spring and into the early summer following higher than average winter rainfall.

But since March, just over half the expected rainfall has been recorded across South East Water’s supply areas.

This has triggered the company’s approved Drought Plan.

Mr Whitfield added: "Our teams have worked incredibly hard to prepare for this summer, but the sheer scale of the sustained heatwaves and lower levels of rainfall mean water resources are starting to be impacted.

“Our absolute priority has to be making sure there is always enough water for everyone’s essential daily needs: drinking, cooking and hygiene.”

The company said for customers in Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire, it is the first time in 14 years a hosepipe ban has been introduced.

A temporary hosepipe ban has been announced by water companies across the Royal Borough. Thames Water’s ban came into effect on Thursday 23 July, and South East Water’s ban from Saturday 25 July. Due to these restrictions, you may notice some changes in our parks and open spaces including turning off ornamental fountains.

We recognise these spaces are valued by our communities and appreciate residents’ understanding during this period. We will continue to ensure drinking fountains are available for use, and will continue watering of newly planted trees to help them fully establish and prevent losses.

You're exempt from the ban if you've serious mobility issues, disabilities or medical conditions. If you or a loved one needs extra support, visit Thames Water's or South East Water’s free Priority Services Registers. https://www.southeastwater.co.uk/help/priority-services/