19 February 2012 Last updated at 04:28 ET

Northamptonshire hosepipe ban threat

A hosepipe ban could be imposed on Northamptonshire for the first time in 20 years according to Anglian Water.

The company said sustained and heavy rainfall is needed soon if a ban is to be avoided.

The county is already in drought conditions, but below average rainfall this winter has left water levels exceptionally low.

A drought order was recently given to the company to allow it to take water from the River Nene.

John Clare, from Anglian Water, said: "Pitsford reservoir is about 60% full at the moment but it should be nearer to 77% at this time of the year.

"A few months ago we were about 50% full and we managed to recover it slightly thanks to the Environment Agency granting us the drought order."

A water summit is due to take place next week with the Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman.

"We will be there explaining what we've been doing and put forward a few ideas of what to do next," said Mr Clare.