A new hosepipe ban has been confirmed as millions of Britons have been told to stop using water immediately.
Southern Water informed around one million of its customers the restriction will prohibit them from filling paddling pools and watering their plants.
It will formally come into force a week from today, on July 10, for its residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
However, the residents have put in a plea to halt hosepipe usage immediately "to avoid putting the network under further pressure".
Following the June heatwave with scorching temperatures, river levels across the south east have dropped lower than what is normal for this time of year.
Water bosses instructed customers to no longer water their plants, clean cars or fill children's paddling pools.
The water firm warned that, without "significant" rainfall from now until autumn, the ban could last up until September.
Last year, same company enforced a hosepipe ban with a ban taking place from mid-July until October 2025.
This morning, Southern Water said: "The warmest spring on record, followed by a record-breaking heatwave, has left river levels 25 per cent lower than expected for this time of year.
"The River Test has lost a third of its water within the last month, putting pressure on our ability to treat and supply your water.
"To protect local rivers, including the River Test and Itchen that supply most of your water, and to keep taps flowing we need to introduce restrictions."
South East Water confirmed it would also impose a hosepipe ban, which will take effect on Friday for its Kentish customers.
