Hosepipe bans are to be issued in south-east England and East Anglia from 5 April, as fears grow that the drought could spread as far north as East Yorkshire.
Two dry winters in a row have left rivers and reservoirs well below normal levels in drought-affected areas.
There is a lack of water in reservoirs and rivers amid drought conditions (Copyright: PA)
Southern Water, Thames Water, South East Water, Veolia and Veolia South East all announced restrictions would start on 5 April, while Sutton and East Surrey, along with Anglian Water, have yet to confirm the start-date of their bans.
Southern Water strategy manager Meyrick Gough said: "These measures are being brought in following an exceptionally dry 12 months.
"As the weather gets warmer, the demand for water will rise and, therefore, to safeguard supplies throughout the summer we need to restrict the amount of water used in gardens."
It comes on the eve of a new report from the Environment Agency which calls for water companies and farmers - as well as businesses and consumers - to take action to protect water supplies from a prolonged drought.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: “The recent Drought Summit highlighted the threats of another dry winter to various parts of the country, but more areas are likely to be affected unless there is significant rainfall in the coming months.
“We can all help reduce the effects of drought by being smarter about how we use water. Taking action now will help us all in the future.”
The agency also warns the drought could spread as far north as East Yorkshire and as far west as the Hampshire –Wiltshire border, if the dry weather continues this spring.
Fruit and vegetable prices may rise as growers are affected by the drought, it adds.
Nick Ellins, drought liason officer for Water UK, which represents all UK water companies, said: "It has long been a popular comment to say that Britain is one of the wettest countries in the world, and to complain about wet days spoiling holidays and weekends.
"The latest Environment Agency report provides the evidence for people to feel confident in countering that myth.
"Even if we end up with heavy rain showers running down our windows as temporary use bans come in to force, and it can happen, individuals and communities will have the understanding to know that it has taken a long time for the environment to deteriorate and an exceptional wet spell will be needed before our surroundings recover."
