Millions of Britons should heed water warnings following the introduction of hosepipe restrictions.

Yorkshire Water has implemented a hosepipe ban starting today, affecting five million people across Yorkshire following what the company describes as "the driest spring on record".

The water supplier revealed that reservoir levels have remained static since late January, a highly unusual situation typically prevented by spring rainfall.

"Our reservoir levels haven't actually increased since the last week of January. Normally, our groundwater sources and reservoirs get topped up over spring when the weather is changeable, but this year we've had the driest spring on record and Yorkshire is officially in drought," Yorkshire Water stated.

The restrictions prohibit using hosepipes for garden watering, vehicle cleaning, filling pools, and other non-essential activities.

Practical alternatives remain available during the restrictions. Yorkshire Water confirmed residents can still use buckets or watering cans for essential tasks, whilst water butts collecting rainwater can be connected to hosepipes legally.

In light of this, a garden expert offered practical guidance for maintaining lawns despite restrictions.

Lucie Bradley, working with David Wilson Homes, recommends collecting grey water from bathroom sinks, showers and kitchen sinks for lawn care - provided these are free from harsh chemicals.

A hosepipe ban affecting more than five million people came into effect today

Yorkshire Water confirmed residents can still use buckets or watering cans for essential tasks

"The best time of day to water a lawn is during the early morning between 6am and 10am, as this is typically the coolest time of day, so the water will not evaporate," Lucie continued.

She also suggests leaving grass clippings on lawns after mowing to create mulch (which helps soil retain moisture by reducing evaporation) while recycling nutrients back into the ground.

Finally, the expert strongly cautioned against lawn mowing during extreme heat, explaining: "During these periods, grass plants are under a lot of stress and may not recover from mowing.

Britons are strongly advised against lawn mowing during extreme heat

"Instead, wait until the temperatures cool down and at least 24 hours after rainfall or watering."

It's not just Yorkshire residents who could see hosepipe restrictions due to the increasing risk of drought.

Thames Water has warned its 16 million customers across London and the Thames Valley that hosepipe restrictions may be necessary as the Environment Agency declared Prolonged Dry Weather status for large areas of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

Combined with those impacted by Yorkshire Water's hosepipe ban, this could mean restrictions for more than 20 million Britons.

The agency reported that the Thames area received only half its expected rainfall over the past three months.

"June 2025 was England's warmest on record, and we also had a very dry spring. Ongoing dry weather and increased customer demand are impacting Thames Valley water supplies," Thames Water stated.

The company noted that water demand in Swindon and Oxfordshire peaked on 30 June at levels last seen during the 2022 drought.

Thames Water has urged customers to conserve supplies by taking shorter showers, turning off taps and allowing lawns to dry naturally to help avoid implementing restrictions.