London: Businesses including car washes and window cleaners could face water-use restrictions as the UK government prepares for the possibility of tighter measures amid worsening drought conditions, according to local media reports.

According to Anadolu Agency, government planners have informed ministers that restrictions could be expanded as non-essential use bans (NEUBs) become more prevalent, as reported by The Times. These restrictions, which require applications by water companies and authorization by ministers, might also encompass sports fields, although some exemptions could potentially be granted by the government.

The measures could affect car washes, window cleaning businesses, and private swimming pools, limiting their water usage. As of last week, nearly 26 million people were under hosepipe restrictions, prohibiting the use of hoses for watering domestic or non-commercial gardens or plants.

A government spokesperson told The Times, "As any responsible government would, we are preparing for a range of scenarios and working with the National Drought Group to help maintain water supplies. We expect water companies to follow their established drought management plans and go further and faster to reduce leaks."

The report indicates that only one NEUB request has been submitted so far, by Southern Water, which serves East and West Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. By July 15, the UK had already experienced more days above 30°C (86°F) than during the entire year of 1976, noted for its prolonged heatwave.

Government figures showed that as of last Monday, 71% of England was in drought. In late July, a drought was declared across Wales, which was on track for its driest July in 190 years. Last week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned that Britain was a "tinderbox" during his visit to Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where firefighters have been battling wildfires.