It is likely that a ‘hosepipe ban’ will be introduced this weekend (18th/19th July) across Mid and South Ceredigion, together with parts of North Pembrokeshire and North Carmarthenshire, unless exceptionally high water demand reduces.
The period of prolonged hot, dry weather has driven demand for drinking water to unprecedented levels, with around one billion litres of water being put into supply every day during the past week – around 20% more than would normally be expected at this time of year.
The affected area covers around 33,000 properties, stretching from Llanon, Llangwyryfon and Cwm Ystwyth in Ceredigion, across to Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern in north Pembrokeshire, and into parts of north Carmarthenshire, including Farmers, Pencader and Hermon.
Unlike the short-lived peaks normally experienced during warm weather, demand has remained exceptionally high throughout the day and into the evening for several weeks. This sustained demand is placing increasing pressure on the local water supply network. Increased numbers of holiday makers and visitors to the area as the summer holiday season begins are expected to add further pressure to the local network.
While water resources and reservoir levels remain healthy, the challenge is producing, treating, storing and moving enough drinking water through the network quickly enough to meet this exceptional level of demand.
To maintain supplies we have already taken extensive action. Water treatment works are operating at maximum capacity, additional water is being moved around the network wherever possible, local service reservoirs (underground storage tanks) are being kept as full as possible, hundreds of frontline colleagues have been working around the clock repairing leaks and maintaining supplies, and the company’s entire tanker fleet continues to support areas experiencing pressure.
Several water companies in England have already introduced temporary restrictions this summer following prolonged periods of exceptionally high demand.
Active Warnings
There are no active restrictions at the moment.
Reservoir levels
Around 95% of our water resources originate as surface water either from reservoir storage or river abstractions. The below image shows the status of our reservoir levels and is updated weekly.
We have very little dependence on groundwater supplies.
This reliance on surface waters can increase vulnerability to short periods of low rainfall as river levels change more quickly than groundwaters. River levels are the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales.
Stages of drought
We follow five stages of action in our Drought Action Plan, which we manage through demand management measures. We work closely with Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and other agencies at each stage as part of the Wales Drought Liaison Group.
Stages
Stage 1 – Normal Operation
This is where we are for most of the year but our 23 water resource zones across Wales can move to different stages at different times. During this stage, weather is normal for the time of year with no concerns on supply or demand side. But in spring or early summer, we may start messaging to customers to introduce the importance of saving water.
Stage 2 – Developing drought
We are experiencing dry conditions and the forecast is for warm, dry weather to continue. Water resources are starting to show signs of developing drought but only in some very localised areas.
Stage 3 – Drought
Due to prolonged dry weather, water resources are lower than we would expect for the time of year. To protect supplies, a temporary use ban may be in place as a necessary step in some areas.
Stage 4 – Severe Drought
Continuation of the prolonged dry weather resulting in exceptionally low water resources. Additional measures will be taken to sustain supplies to customers with temporary use measures in place.
Stage 5 – Emergency Measures
Emergency Measures: Water resources have now reached levels where it is impossible to maintain a regular supply to customers therefore emergency measures need to be implemented. This could include the use of standpipes and timed cuts to water supplies or widespread pressure management whilst fully considering the potential impact on water quality within specific areas of our water supply network.
Stage 6 – End of Drought
By working together during exceptionally challenging dry weather conditions, we are able to announce the end of drought conditions and the temporary restrictions which have been put in place.
You can view our full corporate drought plan here.
Drought Plan
Welsh Water’s Drought Plan outlines how we manage water supplies during dry periods to ensure continued service for our customers while protecting the environment. The plan includes monitoring water levels and weather patterns to anticipate drought conditions. We work closely with Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and other stakeholders to develop the plan.
Our latest Drought Plan is available here.
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