Britain’s biggest water company has recorded its highest ever demand, due to a “perfect storm” of hot weather and the coronavirus lockdown.
Last month was England’s driest May since records began 158 years ago and householders are being asked to help conserve supplies.
A striking aerial photo showed part of Howden Reservoir in Derbyshire looking like a near-dried-up river on Tuesday. Owner Severn Trent said the reservoir is at just 51% of its capacity.
Thames Water, with 10 million customers, said it is processing an extra 35 million gallons a day as demand hit its highest level in the firm’s 31-year history.