HEAVY rainfall has meant more draconian restrictions on water use will not be imposed this year, even though the hosepipe ban will remain.

The wet weather has led to Thames Water ruling out the need to apply for a Drought Order which would widen the existing rules.

The announcement yesterday followed an Environment Agency report removing drought status in Wiltshire and 18 other counties in England.

Thames Water’s sustainability directorRichard Aylard said: “It is a great relief for us that we can now rule out seeking a Drought Order this year.

“No water company wants to impose restrictions on its customers for any longer than absolutely necessary.

“Despite all the recent rain, we still have a serious groundwater shortage “And we could yet have a long hot summer so, much as we’d love to, it would be irresponsible to lift the hosepipe ban just yet.”

A Drought Order, which is granted by the Secretary Of State, places further restrictions on water on commercial and industrial water use, for example by limiting use at public swimming pools.

Thames Water said it would monitor the situation while planning for the possibility of a third dry winter.

The firm is reviewing the Temporary Use Ban and trying to minimise the impact on those whose livelihoods depend on water.

Mr Aylard said: “Although the current account, in our reservoirs and rivers, is in good shape the savings account, deep below ground, is still in the red.

“As the latest Environment Agency data shows, following the two driest years ever in our region, the exceptionally heavy rain in April and early May has not made a significant impact deep below ground yet.

“Groundwater levels remain at their lowest ever, lower even than in 1976. So while it’s wet on top, it remains dry underneath.

“That means we have to be cautious about the possibility of a dry summer and particularly of a third dry winter in succession, which would create more severe problems for next year."

The Environment Agency said the wettest April on record, and rainfall in May, had increased river and reservoir levels.

But low groundwater levels underground remain a concern across England, with many at 1976 levels and unlikely to return to normal before winter.

Rain was between 29 to 68 per cent of the average for March but April had the biggest downpour in more than 100 years.

Groundwater levels are still exceptionally low at 42 per cent of indicator sites used to collect measurements.across England.

Dr Paul Leinster, the chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “Water resources across England and Wales are kept constantly under review.

“The record rainfall has eased pressure on water resources in some parts of England, helping rivers and reservoirs recover and providing relief to farmers, gardeners and wildlife.