Low water levels have exposed a normally submerged bridge at Baitings Reservoir in West Yorkshire. (Photo: ft.com)

Water companies in most of Wales have already imposed restrictions on water use, including a hosepipe ban. Drought was officially declared across most of England last week following the driest July since 1935.

Natural Resources Wales said the Friday move was taken due to the pressures the high temperatures and lack of significant rainfall have had on the environment.

Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban for 10 million customers across the south of England. The ban will come into force from next Wednesday.