Following the extended period of dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has today confirmed that the trigger thresholds have been met to move South West Wales into drought status from Friday 19 August

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, has also introduced a hosepipe ban which will also come into effect today.

NRW’s decision to move from prolonged dry weather status to drought for the area was agreed and shared with a meeting of the Welsh Government’s Drought Liaison Group. The decision comes after consideration of the exacerbated pressures high temperatures and lack of significant rainfall have had on the environment in this area.

The rest of Wales remains in prolonged dry weather status but concerns still remain. While essential supplies of water remain safe, the public and businesses in drought affected areas are being asked to be very mindful of the pressures on water resources and use water wisely. The environmental regulator for Wales is continuing to closely monitor the situation across Wales, working with partners and will take action as required.

Natalie Hall, Sustainable Water Manager for NRW, said:

“Prolonged dry weather can lead to drought when rainfall remains low. This can impact some of our most precious habitats and species as well as systems we often take for granted, such as our water supplies.

“We have decided to declare a state of drought in South West Wales after it was clear the lack of rain and recent heat have put a huge strain on our rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels.“

The areas affected are:

• North Ceredigion (Rheidol, Aeron, Ystwyth)
• Teifi
• Pembrokeshire (Eastern and Western Cleddau)
• Carmarthen (Tywi and Taf)
• Swansea and Llanelli (Tawe and Loughor)
• Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend (Neath, Afan, Ogmore)

South West Wales received just 65.5% of its average rainfall in July and all river levels in the area are lower than expected for this time of the year, with the Ewenny, Teifi and Taf exceptionally low.

Low groundwater levels coupled with record high temperatures, have also put a strain on the region’s ecosystems as well as public water supplies in Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire.

Across the rest of Wales, the majority of rivers across Wales are lower than expected for the time of year, with many exceptionally low including the Alyn, Conwy, Clwyd, Taf, Teifi, Ewenny, Wye, Usk and Ebbw.

Between March and July Wales received just 61% of its expected rainfall resulting in the driest five-month period in 40 years

NRW and Welsh Government (WG) also attend the national drought group for England to address any cross-border concerns.