Thames Water, Three Valleys Water, Southern Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water all lifted their hosepipe bans this morning following the heavier-than-average rain fall the UK has experienced in the last few months. 

However South East Water and Mid Kent Water are retaining their bans, preventing their customers from watering the garden or washing their cars – despite the fact that the country is bracing itself for heavy rain, snow and storms.

Water industry representative Water UK, said firms should be cautious because shortages could return if the rest of the winter proves drier.Most of the bans have been in place since April last yearHosepipe after the Environment Agency warned that southeast England faced the worst drought in 100 years.The south is most at risk because of increased demand from its high population, lower average rainfall in recent years and a reliance on water from depleted underground sources.

Underground aquifers, which supply the majority of water in some southern areas, need more time to "recharge" during the winter.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for much of Britain today.

"The southern half of the UK will see heavy rain and the strongest winds with gales or severe gales," a spokesman said. "Damaging gusts of 60 to 70 miles per hour could cause travel disruption."