OXFORDSHIRE needs a downpour every day for the next six weeks to avoid hosepipe bans, water bosses warned last night.

The Government announced this week the South East is in drought and the county has suffered its lowest rainfall in 11 years.

Thames Water warned hosepipe bans for the county are likely unless there is huge rainfall in the next few weeks – but forecasters are saying we are likely to see a little rather than a lot.

The water giant last night urged residents to cut their consumption and apply for free water-saving devices.

Spokesman Natalie Slater said: “We need consistent, daily, heavy rain for the next four to six weeks to even look at reducing possible restrictions.”

Miss Slater said there was a high possibility of restrictions but it was “highly unlikely” taps will run dry.

The Met Office – which only forecasts up to a month ahead – said downpours will “continue below average”, carrying on the trend which saw just 498mm fall on the county during 2011. It was the lowest since 490mm in 1996.

Although Farmoor reservoir, which supplies the county’s homes and businesses, is full, Thames Water is concerned about low river levels. The Ock, Thames, Thame and Cherwell were running at 28, 44, 19 and 10 per cent respectively of their usual flows last month.

The lack of rain has also led to low levels of groundwater that seeps into underground reservoirs.

John Archer, spokesman for the South East branch of the National Union of Farmers, said: “Food prices could increase as a result of reduced supply.”

Robert Stilgoe, of Adderbury’s Grange Farm, said with little rain stored from the winter, the coming months are key.

The arable farmer said: “The rainfall between now and harvest will be crucial.”

Camilla Puzey, who breeds sheep at Little Wittenham’s Hill Farm, said births were down 25 per cent as grazing grass was hit by low rainfall.

She said: “We need grass to keep the lambs growing. In a month or so’s time it will be a lot more serious for us.”

Orchid Lakes in Dorchester-on-Thames are about two-and-a-half foot down, said owner Marsh Pratley.

He said: “The fish could die if we have a drought, but it is a long way off.”

A tonne of fish have been moved between Didcot Town Council’s two lakes at Ladygrove Park as levels drop there.

Town councillor Peter Read said: “If it becomes unviable in six months time we might have to move the lot, which would be a tragedy.”

* Thames Water is offering free water-saving devices including a single-setting showerhead and four-minute timer to cut down on shower use. Visit thameswater-savewatersavemoney.co.uk/ freepack