THAMES Water has given almost 50 Swindon households a warning after flouting the current hosepipe ban.

The water company has sent out 932 letters to customers 47 of which were in the Swindon area following reported breaches of the restrictions, which came into force on April 3.

Thames Water bosses will announce today whether householders' water use should be further curbed by a drought order.

They will discuss water stocks, customer demand and predicted rainfall before deciding whether to apply for the more stringent measures.

"We don't underestimate the impact of a drought order on our customers, but of course we have to make sure that supplies are viable for the rest of the summer," said a Thames Water spokeswoman.

The firm, which has one of its main offices in Kembrey Park, Swindon, has already received hundreds of phone calls from householders complaining about breaches of the sprinkler and hosepipe ban.

These prompted Thames Water to send 932 letters to customers explaining the water use restrictions.

In addition, it has sent a second batch of warning letters to 11 customers telling them of the potential penalties for persistently flouting the ban.

Householders who continue to breach the restrictions would be sent three warning letters, the company said.

They could then be taken to court to face a maximum £1,000 fine.

Since imposing the hosepipe ban, Thames Water has come under fire from Swindon residents following a string of burst water mains and leaks throughout the town.