Water warning for whole country as dry and warm weather sees 'trigger levels' hit
This comes after a warm and dry July which has led to reduced river flows and soil moisture levels. It comes on the back of a warm and sunny spring with low rainfall levels.
The new status does not mean any ban on water usage for things like gardens but people are urged to use water wisely and follow local advice from Dwr Cymru and Hafren Dyfrdwy.
Natural Resources Wales said: "The warm and dry conditions we have experienced throughout July has taken its toll on the natural environment. Low and localised rainfall throughout the month has resulted in reduced river flows and soil moisture levels, and there are concerns for groundwater levels across the majority of Wales.
"Trigger levels have now been met to move the whole of Wales back into 'Prolonged Dry Weather' status.
"Groundwater remains a concern in the majority of Wales with minimal response to rainfall and levels quickly regressing. Reports of very low/dry river beds, high river temperatures, low dissolved oxygen and resulting distressed fish and fish kills are being received.
"Also, impacts on agriculture, business and recreation and navigation. The deteriorations we have seen in our hydrological and other indicators, including environmental, have confirmed that all parts of Wales should stay at/move back to 'prolonged dry weather'.
"We'll continue to monitor the situation closely and work with partners to manage any impacts.
"This includes close monitoring of the rivers Usk and Wye, where river temperatures have been averaging above 20 degrees With the summer holidays now in full swing, please continue to use water wisely and follow local advice from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy."
NRW added: "We are continuing to engage regularly with the water companies regarding their reservoir levels and their supply position.
"The prolonged dry and hot period experienced during spring and into the summer together with the unsettled, warm outlook for Wales means that we are experiencing localised environmental issues. The long-term impact of those warmer drier conditions on our habitats and species, on groundwater levels (and in turn river baseflow) in late summer / autumn, and on sectors like agriculture are yet to be fully realised across Wales.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely within all catchments and respond to any issues that may emerge.
"We are continuing to regularly engage with the Welsh Government, stakeholders and other regulators to discuss concerns of how the prolonged dry weather is or may impact people, organisations and the environment across Wales.
"The statuses of all catchments in Wales will be reviewed at our next drought meetings."
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North Wales Live
2 days ago
- North Wales Live
Water warning for whole country as dry and warm weather sees 'trigger levels' hit
A water warning has been issued for the whole of Wales due to "warm and dry" conditions. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said the whole nation has been moved into "prolonged dry weather" status. This comes after a warm and dry July which has led to reduced river flows and soil moisture levels. It comes on the back of a warm and sunny spring with low rainfall levels. The new status does not mean any ban on water usage for things like gardens but people are urged to use water wisely and follow local advice from Dwr Cymru and Hafren Dyfrdwy. Natural Resources Wales said: "The warm and dry conditions we have experienced throughout July has taken its toll on the natural environment. Low and localised rainfall throughout the month has resulted in reduced river flows and soil moisture levels, and there are concerns for groundwater levels across the majority of Wales. "Trigger levels have now been met to move the whole of Wales back into 'Prolonged Dry Weather' status. "Groundwater remains a concern in the majority of Wales with minimal response to rainfall and levels quickly regressing. Reports of very low/dry river beds, high river temperatures, low dissolved oxygen and resulting distressed fish and fish kills are being received. "Also, impacts on agriculture, business and recreation and navigation. The deteriorations we have seen in our hydrological and other indicators, including environmental, have confirmed that all parts of Wales should stay at/move back to 'prolonged dry weather'. "We'll continue to monitor the situation closely and work with partners to manage any impacts. "This includes close monitoring of the rivers Usk and Wye, where river temperatures have been averaging above 20 degrees With the summer holidays now in full swing, please continue to use water wisely and follow local advice from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy." NRW added: "We are continuing to engage regularly with the water companies regarding their reservoir levels and their supply position. "The prolonged dry and hot period experienced during spring and into the summer together with the unsettled, warm outlook for Wales means that we are experiencing localised environmental issues. The long-term impact of those warmer drier conditions on our habitats and species, on groundwater levels (and in turn river baseflow) in late summer / autumn, and on sectors like agriculture are yet to be fully realised across Wales. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely within all catchments and respond to any issues that may emerge. "We are continuing to regularly engage with the Welsh Government, stakeholders and other regulators to discuss concerns of how the prolonged dry weather is or may impact people, organisations and the environment across Wales. "The statuses of all catchments in Wales will be reviewed at our next drought meetings."
BBC News
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- BBC News
Land's End to John O'Groats rowers 'won't stop' despite bad weather
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North Wales Live
21-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Parts of Wales' 'most beautiful lake' to remain out of bounds until next year
Parts of Wales' 'most beautiful lake' will remain inaccessible until spring 2026 – some 17 months after a major storm left a trail of destruction. Water company Hafren Dyfrdwy said the devastating effects of Storm Darragh are still being felt at Lake Vyrnwy in north Powys. In the hours before the storm struck, a rare red 'take action' weather warning was issued for parts of Wales. Some 95,000 homes in the country were left without power after severe winds brought down swathes of pylons on December 7, 2024. Across the country, miles of forest roads, walking trails and mountain bike routes were left obstructed by thousands of fallen trees and branches. At Vyrnwy, much of the circular B4393 road was left impassable, along with many of its trails. Visitors were urged not to visit. An estimated 60ha (148 acres) of trees were uprooted, prompting an extensive clean-up operation. In April, the Rhiwargor car park – near the stunning Rhiwargor Waterfall – was finally reopened. To date, 1,395 tonnes of timber have been removed. However Hafren Dyfrdwy, which manages the site, said there was still a 'huge amount' of work to be done, including reopening the lakeside road. A spokesperson said: 'Due to ongoing work and environmental factors, this is likely not to reopen until spring 2026, as Hafren Dyfrdwy continues to work with the local authority on this closure.' Despite the removal of 'thousands' of trees, the company said some walking routes remain inaccessible. Visitors are being warned to keep out of these areas while clearance work continues. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone Griff Watkins, Lake Vyrnwy's visitor site manager, said: 'Storm Darragh left a lasting mark on Lake Vyrnwy, and while the scale of the damage was significant, the dedication of our teams has been just as remarkable. 'We've made great progress and there is still plenty to do on site. There's still a long road ahead and environmental factors also mean there are certain areas of the site where the pace of work has had to slow down.' He said Llyn Vyrnwy is considered Wales' most beautiful lake and it is 'still a wonderful place to visit'. Over the summer holidays people are being encouraged to visit the lake and enjoy the areas that are now open. Main car parks and toilet blocks are open, as are trails near the village. Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, Artisan's café and The Chocolate Cabin continue to trade. Every weekend over summer (Fri-Mon), Blue Monday will be serving coffee at Rhiwargor car park. And during the summer holidays, a free treasure trail near the visitor centre is offering goodies and a prize draw. Mr Watkins added: 'As we head into the summer season, we're excited to welcome visitors to enjoy the beauty of the reservoir. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "We just ask that over the coming weeks and months that everyone checks which areas are open before setting out and continues to support us as restoration work continues.'
