United Utilities today made the long-feared announcement after the driest start to a year in more than 80 years.

Anyone found flouting the ban – which comes into force from 6am on Friday and affects the entire North West – could be fined £1,000.

Residents were today urged to report neighbours if they use hosepipes on gardens or their cars.

John Sanders, the company's water regulation and strategy manager, said: "We would ask residents who see their neighbours continuing to use their hosepipes to remind them a ban is in use. If that person continues to use their hosepipe people are welcome to call us.

"We would write to those residents asking them to respect the ban and, if they persist, they could find themselves with a fine of up to £1,000."

The ban - the first in the North West since 1996 - will restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers on private gardens and washing private cars.

At present commercial premises are still able to use hosepipes, but this may be looked at again if water levels sink further. The ban is expected to be in force throughout the summer.

Mr Sanders added: "Despite some recent rainfall, reservoir levels are still significantly lower than we would expect at this time of year and are now at the point where we need to impose some temporary restrictions on our customers.

"It is not a decision we have taken lightly, but a hosepipe can use as much water in an hour as a family of four would use in one day while a sprinkler left running overnight uses as much water as a family of four would use in one week.

"This ban will help us to safeguard essential water supplies to our customers if the drought continues."

FOR MORE ON THIS STORY SEE WEDNESDAY'S GAZETTE.