A further 16 million Britons have been warned they could face a hosepipe ban over the coming weeks as the third heatwave of the summer hits the UK.
Thames Water revealed it would impose restrictions after 'ongoing dry weather and increased customer demand' unless the situation 'changes significantly'.
Customers were urged by the company to use water sparingly given the region it serves has seen just half of its expected rainfall over the last three months.
The Environment Agency has declared a state of 'prolonged dry weather' in large parts of Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey - meaning a heightened risk of drought.
Thames Water said daily demand in Swindon and Oxfordshire peaked during the UK's last heatwave on June 30 at a level not seen since in the 2022 drought.
