Developing drought declared for Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has declared 'Developing Drought' status for an area of more than 32,000 properties.
The area affected includes Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern in north Pembrokeshire, Llanon, Llangwyryfon and Cwm Ystwyth in north Ceredigion and parts of north Carmarthenshire down to Farmers, Pencader and Hermon as well as most of mid and south Ceredigion.
The 'Developing Drought' is being declared as reservoir levels at the Teifi Pools reservoirs on the western edge of the Cambrian Mountains and water abstracted from the river Teifi at Llechryd water treatment works are now around 31 per cent lower than the same time last year.
This means a drought and water use restrictions could be introduced in the area over the summer.
Welsh Water said that the Teifi Pools reservoirs have only seen 37 per cent of the expected long-term average of rainfall between March and May.
The peaty ground around these reservoirs retains water and is slower than other areas to release water back into the environment. Rainfall over the past two weeks has done little to improve the situation.
'Developing Drought' status is the second stage of Welsh Water's five stages of escalation noted in their statutory Drought Plan and it doesn't involve any restrictions on water use.
If reservoir levels in the area do not recover following rainfall over the next few weeks, the company may move to stage three and issue temporary use bans – or hosepipe bans, in the near future.
Welsh Water says it has already undertaken a number of activities to help conserve water in the area, including increased detection and repair of leaks.
The company is now asking customers to think about the way they use water and to cut down on any waste. More information on how to save water is available online at dwrcymru.com.
The area is the only part of Wales in 'Developing Drought'. If the company moves to 'Drought' status in mid and south Ceredigion, Welsh Water will write to all customers affected to explain more about what this means. Customers can also use an online postcode checker to confirm if they are within the 'Developing Drought' area.
Welsh Water said it is also working closely with other bodies to alleviate the situation.
"We are giving our customers early warning as we want to prevent further restrictions later in the year,' said Marc Davies, Welsh Water's director of water services.
'With record low rainfall levels in recent months, water levels in our reservoirs are below where they would usually be at this time of year. Following such a dry period, unless we see a period of sustained rainfall in the area with good amount of rain, it's essential that we all help preserve the supplies in our reservoirs and rivers.
'We are grateful to customers for their help. We're not asking people not to use their water, we're just asking them to use the water they need but avoid wasting it.
'As well as asking customers to do their bit, we are doing ours by working around the clock to make sure we do everything we can to get as much treated water into the system and our teams are out and about fixing 700 leaks per week across our operating area. Working together is the best way we can protect drinking water supplies.'
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Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has declared 'Developing Drought' status for an area of more than 32,000 properties. The area affected includes Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern in north Pembrokeshire, Llanon, Llangwyryfon and Cwm Ystwyth in north Ceredigion and parts of north Carmarthenshire down to Farmers, Pencader and Hermon as well as most of mid and south Ceredigion. The 'Developing Drought' is being declared as reservoir levels at the Teifi Pools reservoirs on the western edge of the Cambrian Mountains and water abstracted from the river Teifi at Llechryd water treatment works are now around 31 per cent lower than the same time last year. This means a drought and water use restrictions could be introduced in the area over the summer. Welsh Water said that the Teifi Pools reservoirs have only seen 37 per cent of the expected long-term average of rainfall between March and May. The peaty ground around these reservoirs retains water and is slower than other areas to release water back into the environment. Rainfall over the past two weeks has done little to improve the situation. 'Developing Drought' status is the second stage of Welsh Water's five stages of escalation noted in their statutory Drought Plan and it doesn't involve any restrictions on water use. If reservoir levels in the area do not recover following rainfall over the next few weeks, the company may move to stage three and issue temporary use bans – or hosepipe bans, in the near future. Welsh Water says it has already undertaken a number of activities to help conserve water in the area, including increased detection and repair of leaks. The company is now asking customers to think about the way they use water and to cut down on any waste. More information on how to save water is available online at The area is the only part of Wales in 'Developing Drought'. If the company moves to 'Drought' status in mid and south Ceredigion, Welsh Water will write to all customers affected to explain more about what this means. Customers can also use an online postcode checker to confirm if they are within the 'Developing Drought' area. Welsh Water said it is also working closely with other bodies to alleviate the situation. "We are giving our customers early warning as we want to prevent further restrictions later in the year,' said Marc Davies, Welsh Water's director of water services. 'With record low rainfall levels in recent months, water levels in our reservoirs are below where they would usually be at this time of year. Following such a dry period, unless we see a period of sustained rainfall in the area with good amount of rain, it's essential that we all help preserve the supplies in our reservoirs and rivers. 'We are grateful to customers for their help. We're not asking people not to use their water, we're just asking them to use the water they need but avoid wasting it. 'As well as asking customers to do their bit, we are doing ours by working around the clock to make sure we do everything we can to get as much treated water into the system and our teams are out and about fixing 700 leaks per week across our operating area. Working together is the best way we can protect drinking water supplies.'
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