- Two water companies have announced hosepipe bans across parts of the UK due to severe drought conditions and record water demand.
- Yorkshire Water implemented its ban on Friday after declaring a drought, affecting millions of residents.
- South East Water followed suit, restricting hosepipe and sprinkler use for 1.4 million customers in Kent and Sussex.
- The bans prohibit activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, and filling pools, with breaches potentially incurring a £1,000 fine.
- These measures come as the UK anticipates a third, potentially longer, heatwave this summer, following its driest spring since 1893.
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