UK heatwave: hosepipe ban in Devon for first time in two decades

A hosepipe ban is being introduced in parts of Devon and Cornwall for the first time in a quarter of a century, as some water companies said their reservoirs were only half full, while demand has surged during the weeks of drought.

The area has already been hit by heavy rain and flooding today as thunderstorms begin sweeping across the UK – but it’s not the kind of rain which will do anything to replenish water stocks.