Public swimming pools face closure because of severe drought, despite warnings of a winter of flooding.
Ministers will decide next week whether to impose even stricter rules on the use of water in areas of the south of England under hosepipe bans.
Two major water companies, South West Water and South East Water, have submitted applications for a “non-essential use ban” in their areas.
The restrictions, which have not been used in Britain for 20 years, would cover businesses including public swimming pools, car washes, commercial window cleaners and gardeners.
They would effectively close down any business that regularly uses water for “non-essential” operations.
Both companies applied to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs earlier this month to impose the new rules on customers in Sussex and Devon.
The Telegraph understands that Angela Eagle, the Environment Secretary, has fast-tracked the applications because of concerns about reservoir levels in those areas, and will issue a ruling within days.