Hosepipe Ban Imposed in Parts of Wales from Sunday
A hosepipe ban will come into effect in parts of Wales from Sunday, July 19, affecting approximately 33,000 properties. The temporary restrictions are being introduced by Welsh Water due to what the company describes as an unprecedented period of sustained water demand driven by prolonged hot, dry weather.
Unlike a traditional drought-related ban, this is a demand-led, short-term measure. Welsh Water states that the challenge is the exceptionally high level of demand for treated drinking water and the pressure this places on the ability to treat, pump, and replenish local storage in underground tanks quickly enough to meet demand, particularly during busiest parts of the day.
Affected Areas Across Three Counties
The ban covers a single water supply zone served by two water treatment works, stretching across mid and south Ceredigion, north Pembrokeshire, and north Carmarthenshire. Specific locations include:
- Ceredigion County Council: Aberaeron, Llanon, Llangwyryfon, Cwm Ystwyth, Tregaron, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ystrad Meurig, Lampeter, Felinfach, Ciliau Aeron, Llandysul (Ceredigion), New Quay, Aberporth, Rhydlewis
- Pembrokeshire County Council: Crymych, Eglwyswrw, Nevern, Newport (Pembrokeshire), Llanfyrnach, Tegryn, Star
- Carmarthenshire County Council: Farmers, Pencader, Hermon
The area's water network is supplied by the Teifi Pools reservoirs on the western edge of the Cambrian Mountains and water abstracted from the River Teifi at Llechryd.
Detailed Rules of the Hosepipe Ban
Under the restrictions, the use of a hosepipe, including sprinklers, dripper hoses, automatic irrigation systems, and similar devices, is prohibited for the following activities:
- Watering a garden using a hosepipe
- Cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe
- Watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
- Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
- Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
- Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
- Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
- Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain
- Cleaning walls or windows of domestic premises using a hosepipe
- Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
- Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe
According to Welsh Water, these restrictions are a temporary emergency measure for this area and will remain in place only for as long as they are needed. The ban will be lifted as soon as temperatures fall, demand returns to more normal levels, and the network is operating sustainably again.
The public notice confirming the temporary use ban was issued on Friday, and it will come into force at 10am on Sunday, July 19. Welsh Water emphasizes that the measure is not due to a shortage of water in reservoirs but rather the high demand for treated water.
