Warning issued to householders in Wales after long stretch of dry weather
Warning issued to householders in Wales after long stretch of dry weather
Reservoir levels are below what they would usually be at this time of year following a long spell of dry weather
The UK is on track for the 'driest spring ever' according to the Met Office
(Image: media Wales )
People are being urged to "consider their water usage" after a long period of dry weather caused reservoir levels to drop across Wales. Wales saw the hottest start to May on record with temperatures soaring to 27.4C in Cardiff.
Welsh Water said the "record low rainfall levels" in recent months mean reservoir levels "are below that they would usually be at this time of year". It added it was ramping up measures to preserve reservoir levels where possible but asked customers to "consider their water usage".
Around 95% of Welsh Water's supply originates from reservoirs and rivers, which can make it vulnerable to drier periods of weather. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Ian Christie, managing director of water, asset planning, and capital delivery at Welsh Water said: "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."
He added that there is "no real concern" about reservoir levels at present but said it is "essential" to help preserve supply in reservoirs and rivers following such a dry spell.
The Met Office said that the UK is on track to experience its "driest spring ever".
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Reservoir levels vary across Welsh Water's operating area but in the latest update provided on April 24 reservoirs in south east Wales were lowest. Here, reservoirs were 83% full, which was a drop of more than 6% from the start of April.
Elsewhere reservoirs were between 91% and 94% full but with Wales experiencing drier weather since then it is possible that levels could have dropped further.
Mr Christie added: "With record low rainfall levels in recent months and warm weather continuing for the next week or so we are implementing measures to preserve upland reservoir supplies where we can and continuing to maximise efforts to reduce leakage from our pipes but we're also asking our customers to consider their water usage.
"Water levels in our reservoirs are below where they would usually be at this time of year but this does vary across our operating area. At the moment there is no real concern but following such a dry period, unless we see a good amount of rain, it's essential that we help preserve the supplies in our reservoirs and rivers.
"As well as asking people 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.
"We are grateful to customers for their help."
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How can you save water?
Welsh Water advise customers to avoid wasting water by following these tips:
Don't leave the tap running while washing hands or brushing teeth.
Take a shower instead of a bath.
Wait until the washing machine and dishwasher are full before putting them on.
Don't fill the paddling pool to the top – and when you've finished use the water on the plants in the garden.
Don't use a sprinkler on the lawn to keep it green – the colour will soon come back once it rains.
Use the Get Water Fit calculator to help with hints and tips on how to save both water and money – there are even free products available if you sign up.
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