A HOSEPIPE ban comes into force across the Swindon area today.

Thames Water, which serves the town, was one of seven water firms to announce the move as the Environment Agency warned of severe drought in the coming months.

It said groundwater levels in the region were close to the lowest ever recorded, and many tributaries of the River Thames were running very low, particularly the River Pang, which is running at a third of average flows.

The move makes it a criminal offence to use a hosepipe for most jobs, such as watering gardens, and washing the car, although using watering cans and buckets of tap water is still legal.

There are a number of exemptions, including fire service operations and the field of play at national and international sporting events.

In this phase of the ban, there are also exemptions for certain businesses to carry out functions vital to their business, such as car washes, window cleaners and garden centres.

Thames Water says anyone found breaching the ban could be prosecuted and face a maximum £11,000 fine, however, the company hopes people will comply out of goodwill.

Natalie Slater, a spokeswoman for Thames Water, said: “This is something we’re putting into place because we’ve had such dry weather. We’re hoping customers will understand the need for it and co-operate.

“We certainly aren’t setting up any hotline for people to call and report on their neighbours. It’s been exceptionally dry and that’s why the hosepipe ban is in place.

“But if people do ignore it and flout the ban and we are made aware of it we do, if needed, have the powers to prosecute people. But we don’t want to do that.”

Don Reeve, the treasurer of the Swindon Allotments and Leisure Gardens Association, said he does not normally use a hosepipe, but it could be difficult for some.

“It’s a nuisance rather than a real tragedy for gardeners but it does make it hard work,” he said.

“Certainly for people who have a bit of a show garden with a lawn and flower beds and are used to turning the sprinkler on and sitting and reading the newspaper, they’re going to find it hard work but I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for most people.”

A Swindon Council spokesman said: “Swindon Council will not be able to use mains water to water plants, trees, flower bedding, golf courses or bowling greens, and will have to switch off fountains and water features.

“We will also be unable to operate outdoor paddling pools, although indoor swimming pools will not be affected at present.

“Although we are permitted under the current restrictions to take water from lakes and ponds, such as Coate Water, we have decided not to do this on environmental grounds.

“This would send the wrong signals about the serious nature of the water shortage and it could create more problems further down the line if rainfall levels do not improve.”

The ban will stay in place until Thames Water is satisfied there is adequate rainfall.

Thames Water covers a large area, including Swindon and Marlborough, but Wessex Water covers the nearby areas of Chippenham, Calne, and Devizes.