Running automatically-flushing toilet cisterns during times when buildings are unoccupied
Separate drought orders can also vary restrictions on the amounts of water the water companies can take from natural sources such as rivers.
DROUGHT PERMITS
If water is running out and there is an exceptional shortage of rain, water companies can apply to the Environment Agency for a drought permit.
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The Environment Agency warns that a hot summer could result in one of the most severe droughts in the past 100 years
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This will temporarily allow them to take water from other sources, for example taking more from rivers and groundwater.
Southern Water has already been granted a drought permit allowing it to boost its supplies by taking more water from the western River Rother.
The firm was granted a six-month permit in October which has been extended for a further six months.
Sutton and East Surrey Water has also been granted a drought permit allowing it to take water from the River Eden - the two-month permit expires at the end of May.
However, such moves can have potentially damaging effects on the environment.
LEVEL THREE - EMERGENCY DROUGHT ORDERS
Once there is no more water to take from the environment, water companies can apply to the environment secretary for emergency drought orders.
These would allow the use of water to be restricted in any way deemed necessary.
In practice, this could mean:
- Water supplies to homes being shut off and standpipes set up in streets
- Water could be rationed by cutting off supplies to homes and businesses at certain times of day.
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