A pedestrian is reflected in a puddle outside the parliament during a rain shower in London, Britai. - EPA PIC
A pedestrian is reflected in a puddle outside the parliament during a rain shower in London, Britai. - EPA PIC

LONDON: Thames Water, which serves customers in and around the British capital London, said on Wednesday it was banning customers from using a hosepipe from Aug. 24, citing prolonged dry weather.

"With low rainfall forecast for the coming months, we now need to take the next step in our drought plan," the company said in a statement on its website.

"Everything we do now will help protect supplies next summer and help the environment."--REUTERS