England Keeps Most Hosepipe Bans as Drought Persists

England is on track for another year of drought, with upcoming rainfall expected to remain sparse after record dry weather depleted reservoirs.

Hosepipe bans imposed by utilities including Yorkshire Water, Thames Water and South East Water will remain in place, while further curbs are being considered for South East Water and Severn Trent, the Environment Agency said Thursday. On Friday, Southern Water lifted restrictions for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.