The final four companies with hosepipe bans in place have lifted the restrictions after heavy rainfall.

Sutton and East Surrey Water was one of the companies to announce the immediate lifting of the ban, after record levels of rainfall in recent months.

The others were South East Water, Veolia Water Central and Veolia Water Southeast.

In a joint statement, the companies thanked households for using less water.

"The companies would all like to thank their customers for complying with the restrictions and supporting their plea to use water wisely," it said.

"This has kept demand for water well below levels normally experienced at this time of year."

Mike Hegarty, operations director for Sutton and East Surrey Water, said the company had expected to keep the restrictions in place throughout the summer months.

"The recharge in the aquifers brought about by the abnormally heavy spring rainfall is most welcome," he said.

The ban was brought in earlier this year after warnings of low water levels due to a dry winter.

However, the wettest April and June months on record have replenished supplies.