{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"Hosepipe bans and UK droughts: what's the cause?","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/61ba05fc1a8cbed4343cf0e6/5883ea1e-0ebe-4d27-9746-2bf0605b19e6.jpg?height=200","description":"

After experiencing the driest July since 1935 the first hosepipe ban of 2022 is in place in the UK.


Residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are the first to face a ban, and will be followed by people in Kent and the South East from August 12th.


To add to drought concerns, river experts have reported the source of the Thames has dried up for the first time on record.


Some experts have criticised water companies for the way they’ve controlled our water supplies and dealt with leaks.


We speak with meteorologist Dr Rob Thompson from the University of Reading about how we got into this situation. 


Plus Climate Lecturer John Grant from Sheffield Hallam University explains how we can change our water usage to deal with future droughts.


Follow us on Twitter for more news @EveningStandard



","author_name":"The Evening Standard"}