Latest news with #IanChristie
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Record low rivers prompt drought experts meeting
Drought experts will meet this week to decide if stronger advice on water use is needed in response to record low river levels, BBC Wales has been told. On Thursday, Wales' drought liaison group will discuss whether all or parts of the country should be upgraded from normal to prolonged dry weather status. Several rivers in north and mid Wales are classed as having notably low levels, while the Dee and Yscir are at their driest since records began in the 1970s. The Welsh government said its expert group would meet regularly to "ensure water supplies are effectively managed and the environment protected". Rainfall in Wales so far this spring has been well below average, with the country seeing 49% of the levels expected during March and April, according to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH). Exceptionally low river levels raise fears over water supplies Fears 19th Century canal could start to run dry in days Don't waste water during hot weather, people urged Though wetter weather is forecast this weekend and into next week, Catherine Sefton, senior hydrologist at the research institute, said sustained rainfall was needed. "Unless we have appreciable rainfall now at the end of spring and going into the summer there will be concerns for water resources and the environment as well as impacts on agriculture with the dry soils," she said. Mid and north Wales had a particularly dry April, with rivers such as the Conwy, Dee and Wye ranked as notably low, according to CEH's reports. The Yscir in Powys was exceptionally low, recording just 21% of its average April flow. Both it and the Dee hit their lowest levels on record for the time of year. Reservoir stocks have also been drawn down at a faster rate than an average spring. As of 8 May, Welsh Water's reservoirs were 79% full in south-east Wales, 89% full in the south-west, 90% full in the north-east and 92% full in the north-west. The company has already been urging customers to be mindful with their use of water. Ian Christie, managing director of water, asset planning and capital delivery at the firm said it was "implementing measures to preserve upland reservoir supplies where we can" while trying to cut leaks from pipes. Lily Jones, from Llanrwst, Conwy, said she was not concerned about water levels. "I don't think we need to be worrying about running out of water anytime soon, I think we should be enjoying the weather while it's here, we can still cope," she said. "But I don't waste it," she said of her water use. "It's not good for the farmers, the flowers and the crops." But Morwenna Theaker, 53, from Llanrwst said water is too often left to waste. "Now when we don't have any water it's maybe not hurting us as much but it's definitely hurting the wildlife," she said. "It will be inevitable that we will have to ration water if this carries on like this, but I still think we should be doing the things, like making more reservoirs and making places that hold more water," she added. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said there had been "no or very little rain across Wales" so far in May and "the majority of rivers are currently low". Caroline Harries, who leads NRW's water resources team said spring was critical for "fish migration and land management" and her teams were "closely monitoring river levels and temperatures". She also urged people to use water wisely to "protect our natural environment". The drought liaison group is chaired by the Welsh government and brings together the country's water firms, NRW, the Met Office, farming, environment and public health leaders. Thursday's meeting will review the latest data, with potential announcements to follow, BBC Wales has been told. Experts could decide to declare a period of prolonged dry weather across all or part of Wales, marking a step further on the ladder towards an official drought. NRW's website notes that, once prolonged dry weather is declared, the regulator "steps up its actions" that include enhanced monitoring and checks on water bodies, providing guidance for farmers and ensuring those who take water from rivers are abiding by the conditions on their licence. Gail Davies-Walsh, chief executive of Afonydd Cymru - which represents Wales' rivers trusts - said a change in status would involve an "increase in communications" by all involved in drought planning. "We're really asking people to think about the fact that the water they use in their home is either coming from a reservoir in Wales or it's coming from our rivers," she said. Being mindful with water usage now "can reduce the number of actions we need to take further on" and would also help protect fish and wildlife "trying to survive in what is becoming increasingly hotter water and much lower levels". Retired agriculture teacher Tudur Davies, 78, cycles daily around his local area near St Asaph in Denbighshire, taking photos, and said he had been struck by how early in the year signs of a drought were appearing. "The hills look burnt," he said, adding that peatland, usually wet and boggy, "is now crunchy" underfoot. "Even if we get quite a bit of rain next week it will take a long time for things to change," he added. The Welsh government said it was "working with partners to monitor the levels of water bodies" and the drought liaison group would "continue to meet regularly to share situational updates, and to ensure water supplies are effectively managed and our environment is protected".
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
What needs to happen for a drought to be declared in Wales
What needs to happen for a drought to be declared in Wales Reservoir and river levels across Wales have depleted after a period of prolonged dry weather and Wales might move one step closer to an official drought declaration this week, it has been reported Low water levels at the Pentwyn reservoir during a drought in 2022 (Image: Dimitris Legakis/Athena Pictures ) Drought experts are set to meet on Thursday, May 22, to decide if stronger advice on water use is needed in response to record low river levels. River and reservoir levels across Wales have dropped over the last month due to a period of prolonged dry weather. The Welsh Government's drought liaison group - consisting of water companies, Natural Resources Wales, the Met Office and other partners - will discuss whether all or parts of the country should be upgraded from normal to prolonged dry weather status. BBC Wales reports that Thursday's meeting will review the latest data, with potential announcements to follow. The experts could decide to declare a period of prolonged dry weather across all or part of Wales, a step towards an official drought being recognised. The BBC added that rivers in north and mid Wales were classed as having notably low levels, while the Dee and Yscir were at their driest since records began in the 1970s. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The latest data from Natural Resources Wales shows that reservoir levels have dropped and are below where they are expected to be at this time of the year. Article continues below As of May 8, Welsh Water's reservoirs were 79% full in south east Wales, 89% full in the south west, 90% full in the north east and 92% full in the north west. On Thursday, May 15, Welsh Water bosses asked customers to "consider their water usage" to help preserve reservoir levels. The organisation added that it was ramping up measures to preserve reservoir levels where possible Article continues below Around 95% of Welsh Water's supply originates from reservoirs and rivers, which can make it vulnerable to drier periods of weather. 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."
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
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". Article continues below 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." Article continues below 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.
Powys County Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Welsh Water issues warning as hot weather forecasted
Welsh Water has asked people to be mindful of their water usage as the country prepares for a hot start to May. March 2025 was recorded as the fourth driest March in Welsh history, with rainfall 30 per cent lower than in 2022, when parts of Wales last faced water usage restrictions. Despite reservoir water levels being slightly below what is expected for this time of year, with water resources in a good position across the country, there is a warning for customers to be careful of their use of water. The company has increased production at its water treatment works to keep up with high demand. The 61 treatment works produced an additional 7 million litres of water on some of the warmest days this week, equivalent to filling around 35,000 extra bathtubs each day. Welsh Water is also working to reduce the amount of water lost from the system, with teams fixing around 700 leaks each week. Customers have been asked to report any leaks they spot to the company. Over the next five years, the company plans to reduce leakage by a quarter, with around £400 million set aside for pipe replacement and leakage repairs. Welsh Water customers can also benefit from the Cartref team's free leaking loo repairs. These home water efficiency visits are carried out by qualified plumbers to help reduce customers' water consumption. Ian Christie, managing director of water, asset planning, and capital delivery at Welsh Water, said: "With the low rainfall levels, we are 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. "Although reservoir levels are at a comfortable level currently, we're asking customers for their help so that we can make sure the water reaches everyone. "It's essential that we help preserve the supplies in our reservoirs and rivers after what has been a dry spring. "Our advice is simple for customers, use the water you need but avoid wasting it." Welsh Water has also provided some tips to help customers save water. These include not leaving the tap running while washing hands or brushing teeth, taking a shower instead of a bath, and only running the washing machine and dishwasher when they are full. Other tips include not filling the paddling pool to the top and using the leftover water on the garden plants, and not using a sprinkler on the lawn to keep it green, as the colour will return once it rains.
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Leaky Welsh Water urges caution as dry spell continues
Customers asked to cut back on water usage amid driest spring in years PEOPLE across Wales are being urged to reduce their water use as the country braces for what could be the hottest start to May on record. March 2025 was the fourth driest March in Wales since records began, with rainfall levels 30% lower than in 2022 – the last time some parts of the country faced water use restrictions. While current reservoir levels remain slightly below average for the time of year and overall water resources are in a relatively strong position, Welsh Water is warning customers not to be complacent. The company has already increased output at its treatment works, moving more water around the system to keep up with growing demand in hotspot areas. On some of the warmest days this week, Welsh Water's 61 treatment facilities produced an extra 7 million litres of water – enough to fill 35,000 bathtubs. Leak repairs are also being prioritised. The company says its teams are currently fixing around 700 leaks every week, and customers are encouraged to report any they spot. Over the next five years, Welsh Water plans to cut leakage by 25%, with £400 million earmarked for pipe replacement and repair work. Homeowners can also take advantage of free efficiency checks through the company's Cartref programme, which includes leaking toilet repairs and other water-saving advice provided by qualified plumbers. In addition, Welsh Water is sharing practical tips to help people cut consumption: Don't leave taps running while brushing teeth or washing hands Take showers instead of baths Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full Fill paddling pools only part-way – and reuse the water on the garden Avoid using sprinklers on lawns Use the 'Get Water Fit' calculator online for more tips and free water-saving products Ian Christie, Managing Director of Water, Asset Planning and Capital Delivery at Welsh Water, said: 'With the low rainfall levels, we are working around the clock to ensure we get as much treated water into the system as possible. Our teams are fixing 700 leaks each week. 'Although reservoir levels are currently comfortable, we're asking for customers' support to help water reach everyone. It's essential we preserve supplies in our reservoirs and rivers after such a dry spring. 'Our advice is simple – use what you need, but please don't waste it.'
