Temperatures in parts of the UK will hit 33C on Monday and could head to 38C by the end of the week, and there are fears the country could start to run short of water. Experts have urged householders not to waste water during the hot weather this week.
That includes avoiding paddling pools and watering the garden with hoses, as well as long showers.
Sarah Castelvecchi, Water Saving Manager at Anglian Water said: “We want everyone to enjoy the fabulous sunshine and being outdoors, however we would like to ask everyone to think about how they are using their water. Paddling pools are the go-to cooler, but a standard pool can use up to 400 litres of water – that's four full water butts.
“It would be great if people could reuse the water on their gardens, instead of from the tap, as their plants will be hot too.”
Anglian has asked customers to limit showers to five minutes, while Yorkshire Water called for four-minute showers.
Anglian is also urging people not to wash their cars. Severn Trent, meanwhile, has implored households to use watering cans rather than hoses.
Lisa Gahan, the South West Water director responsible for water resources, said: "It's been very dry over the last 12 months and while reservoir levels are good we have had lots of dry spells. More people are coming down on holiday and more people are living here.
"We just want to make sure there's enough water for everyone to enjoy."
One minute less in a shower would save eight litres and turning off a tap a minute early would save six litres, she said.
Hose pipes used 1,000 litres an hour, "so simple things like putting hose away make a massive difference", she added.
