As dry weather continues, several UK water companies have issued hosepipe bans. What do they mean and who do they affect?

While millions of people in England are being asked to limit their water usage, some areas look unlikely to get a hosepipe ban. A Thames Water ban will come into force in parts of Wiltshire on 22 July - but how is it that most neighbouring residents will be unaffected?

Southern Water has announced a hosepipe ban will come into force for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from 9am on Monday.