Several other water companies have already introduced hosepipe bans, including Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and South East Water. People found to be using a hosepipe during a ban can be fined up to £1,000. Mr McMahon said: "We have to respond to the widespread and prolonged dry weather affecting our region.

Only by working together can we make sure there's enough water to go around for customers and the environment.'

Southern Water has become the latest utility firm to announce a hosepipe ban, with almost a million of its customers in southern England hit by the new restrictions. 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.