The decision to restrict water use is made by individual water companies, who are consulted by the government and charities as part of the National Drought Group. Government sources said they had urged more water companies to implement a ban on excessive water use, such as hoses for gardening and car washing, as well as filling up paddling pools. Last month was England’s driest July for more than 100 years and some areas had their driest summer on record. Two water companies – Southern Water and South East Water – have announced bans for millions of customers, while Thames Water and Welsh Water may face warning restrictions. South East Water said on Wednesday it had “no choice” but to cut water use for 3 million households from August 12, citing demand this summer that broke “all previous records” in extremely dry conditions. But other companies, even in drier regions, have held firm. Those involved in drought debates say companies prefer to wait until the last minute, when the rivers are dry, rather than upset customers by putting bans in place early. Graphic Mark Lloyd, chief executive of the Rivers Trust, said: “I told the National Drought Team that every year we get to this point and at the bottom line, when the rivers are at their lowest point, we talk about temporary use bans.” He said the situation could get worse before it gets better because when people fear an impending ban, many rush to use water and put extra pressure on the system. “His announcement at the last minute also makes everyone rush to wash their cars and fill their swimming pools, wash the dog, and it causes an increase in demand before the ban comes in,” he said. “This should happen before the rivers become desperate and there is not enough water for wildlife.” Fear of a customer backlash could prevent companies from acting, he said. “It’s not popular – gardeners complain – and there’s also a trust issue – people point out that there’s a lot of leaking water company pipes and people say, ‘Well, fix your leaks and I’ll stop using my hose. Lloyd added. “There’s a breakdown of trust between the public and the water companies, particularly with the sewage spills and everything.” Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST In East Anglia, the driest part of the country, there was almost no rain all summer, with the ground receiving just 4% of the average rainfall in July. Anglian Water has ruled out banning the pipes, despite locals pointing out that rivers in the area have dried up. Thames Water, which covers London, Oxford and the surrounding area, admitted that at times demand for water has outstripped the rate at which it can be treated and pumped into taps and that dry conditions have threatened supply. Although the ban is being considered, there are no plans to put it into effect this month. An Environment Agency spokesman said: “The Environment Agency works with water companies and other collectors to protect water resources and ensure they take proactive measures to meet the needs of water users and the environment. “Water companies are also implementing their drought plans where necessary to maintain water supplies, but everyone can play their part in using water wisely. “South East Water’s announcement of a temporary blackout for its customers in Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex is one of a number of measures that other water companies should consider to reduce unnecessary water use and protect customer supplies and the environment.”