Hosepipe ban threat remains despite wettest day in 8 years as it's 'WRONG kind of rain'
BRITAIN was hit by the wettest day in eight years this week, but water firms have refused to lift threats of a hosepipe ban because it was “the wrong type of rain”.
The hosepipe threat remains in place
Flood alerts were in place across the UK on Wednesday after areas were lashed by 40mm of downpours.
But Affinity Water said the deluge would do nothing to ease shortages.
The water bosses said yesterday’s rain would instead run off the hard ground and into the rivers.
The UK has experienced a below average amount of rainfall
Met Office forecast rain and sunshine for the week ahead
We need sustained, steady rain over longer periods, which has more chance of being absorbed
Spokesman Nigel Beaven told The Sun: “We need sustained, steady rain over longer periods, which has more chance of being absorbed.
“Customers saving water will minimise the possibility of restrictions this summer.”
As Britain braces for a summer of hosepipe bans, experts warned residents to use their "water wisely”.
The dry spell follows months of below-average rainfall with conditions not expected to bring significant precipitation before May.
People are urged to avoid using sprinklers, turn off taps while brushing teeth and limit showers to just four minutes, as part of the hosepipe ban 2017.
People have been urged to save water
High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire was told to expect more than 35mm of rain on Wednesday - the wettest day there since 2009.
The average rainfall for an entire May is 57mm.
While Larkhill in Wiltshire will see 20mm fall, Bedford 17mm and Oxford 16mm.
People have been urged to turn their taps off when they're brushing their teeth
The Met Office forecast the next few months are likely to feature more rain.
Oli Claydon said: “Into the weekend and next week, we’re going to see more rain.”