During the ban, the following activities are prohibited:

- Watering outdoor plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe;

- Drawing water, using a hosepipe for domestic recreational use;

- Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool using a hosepipe;

- Cleaning walls or windows of domestic premises using a hosepipe;

- Cleaning paths or patios of domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe;

NI Water has strongly advised the public to adhere to this advice as 'ignoring it will only cause further strain on resources and could lead to interruptions to supply'

The company’s CEO Sara Venning said: “We have maximised our water production and need customers’ help to reduce demand. Irish Water has stated it is “very concerned” about the possibility of having to impose longer-term water restrictions due to the weather. Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Gorse fire on Glenshane Pass

Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Ms Venning said NI Water had "maximised water production" but also needed help from customers. “We are asking customers to take heed of the hosepipe ban and stop non-essential water use – using hoses and sprinklers is causing demand to exceed the capacity to supply.”

Severn Trent said: “We’re set for another hot weekend, and, with demand for water really high, we’re producing millions of extra litres.
NI Water have introduced a hosepipe ban in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1995 due to the threat of drought. Elsewhere, firefighters are tackling a large wildfire in Glenshane Pass for a third day.