Thames Water could today announce plans to impose the first drought order in Oxfordshire in 30 years.

Managers met yesterday to decide whether to impose further water restrictions in the county.

If the company decides to seek a drought order, it would have to apply to the Environment Agency for permission.

It would be a number of weeks before an order came into effect.

The move would allow Thames Water to ban commercial businesses and recreational facilities from all non-essential water use. The company imposed a ban on the use of hosepipes for watering private gardens and washing cars last month.

The new restrictions could be imposed throughout the areas the company serves, or just in those where water supplies are scarce.

Possible restrictions would include a ban on filling private swimming pools, a ban on washing vehicles even with a bucket and sponge and the turning-off of public fountains.

Sports grounds, parks and businesses in Oxfordshire, such as car washes and window cleaners, would be severely affected if the company was granted a drought order.

Yesterday, Thames Water spokesman Andrew Boyd said water levels were very low, but that nothing would be decided until after the meeting.

On Monday, the Sutton and East Surrey Water Company was granted the first drought order issued in the UK for 11 years.

It will come into force a week tomorrow. Southern Water and Mid Kent have also applied for drought orders.

Anyone who breaches a drought order could be fined up to £5,000.