WATER firm bosses say hosepipe bans will probably come into effect this summer.

London supplier Thameswater says hosepipe and sprinkler bans are likely to be slapped on residents due to last year being the third driest since records began in 1897.

In January this year, 19mm of rain fell across south London just 29 per cent of the rainfall level of 66mm expected for the month.

However, February bucked the trend with 39mm of rainfall 2mm more than the expected 37mm for the month.

But water bosses say Lewisham and Greenwich's underground water reserves are still low and more rainfall is needed to replenish supplies.

In the past 16 months, only October last year and February this year resulted in higher-than-average rainfall.

Thameswater spokesman Robin Markwell said: "London and the south east are in the grip of an unfolding drought and the possibility of restrictions on water use is looking increasingly likely."

If a ban was imposed, residents caught using hosepipes or sprinklers could be fined up to £1,000.