Sports clubs have warned that grounds and parks could become "parched" and may be forced to close if a strict water ban is imposed.

Warnings have also been issued that car washes, window cleaning firms and industrial cleaners could also be jeopardised if Thames Water applies for a drought order.

As reported in Tuesday's Oxford Mail, the water firm is "seriously considering" applying to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for an order to ban all non-essential water use.

The All England Tennis Club, which hosts the Wimbledon tennis tournament, has already been warned that it could be affected by the ban and, in Oxfordshire, it could prevent the watering of pitches, public gardens and open spaces.

Car washing, window cleaning, filling of privately-owned swimming pools and paddling pools could also be stopped. It would be the first time in 30 years that such a ban was introduced in Oxfordshire. The last, in 1976, lasted for two months.

Gordon Roper, a founding member of Blackbird Leys Bowling Club, said its grounds in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, were "devastated" by the last order.

He said: "The bowls green couldn't be watered and it led to a crack, about 2ft long and six inches wide, appearing in the ground. I'd say to people to oppose this type of ban again."

Window cleaner Mick Burnes, from Witney, feared he might go out of business if a drought order was imposed.

The hosepipe and sprinkler ban brought in on April 3 by Thames Water applies to households only, and Mr Burnes uses water in buckets, so he has so far been unaffected by it. But he warned: "Non-essential water use would apply to window cleaning on buildings, and that's what earns me my living."

John Jameson, a self-employed industrial cleaner from East Oxford, who uses a pressure washer to clean buildings, said: "I've already been getting disapproving looks from passers by, but I'm not doing anything wrong in terms of the hosepipe ban. That would change if a drought order came in."

Thames Water said it was monitoring the effects of the hosepipe ban daily.

A spokesman said: "The drought remains very serious and it is possible that we may have to follow other water companies in the South East and apply to the Government for a non-essential ban.

"We hope not to do this, but can't rule it out if we get a dry spring and demand does not drop in the coming weeks."