Welsh Water is implementing a temporary hosepipe ban across three areas of Wales starting this weekend, affecting approximately 33,000 properties. The ban, which takes effect from 10am on July 19, covers mid and south Ceredigion, parts of north Pembrokeshire, and north Carmarthenshire. The decision follows a prolonged period of "exceptionally high demand" for drinking water, exacerbated by the third heatwave of the summer across much of the UK.
Areas Affected by the Ban
The affected zone stretches from Llanon, Llangwyryfon, and Cwm Ystwyth in Ceredigion, across to Crymych, Llanfyrnach, and Nevern in north Pembrokeshire, and into parts of north Carmarthenshire, including Farmers, Pencader, and Hermon. This area is served by a single water supply zone reliant on two water treatment works.
Reasons for the Restrictions
Welsh Water stated that unlike short-lived peaks typical during warm weather, demand has remained "exceptionally high" throughout the day and into the evening for several weeks. This sustained pressure has depleted local service reservoirs faster than they can be replenished, increasing the risk of low water pressure or supply interruptions. The company noted that increased holidaymakers and visitors as the summer season begins are expected to add further strain.
According to Welsh Water, "Water resources and reservoir levels remain healthy, but the challenge is producing, treating, storing, and moving enough drinking water through the network quickly enough to meet this exceptional level of demand." The company has taken extensive measures, including operating treatment works at maximum capacity, moving additional water across the network, deploying its entire tanker fleet, and having hundreds of frontline colleagues working around the clock to repair leaks.
Company and Customer Response
Kit Wilson, Welsh Water’s chief customer officer, said: "This has not been an easy decision, and we fully appreciate that these temporary restrictions will disappoint some customers, particularly during a period of warm weather. However, after several weeks of unprecedented demand, they have become necessary to help protect essential water supplies." He added that over the past week, the company has been putting around one billion litres of drinking water into supply every day—about 20% more than normally expected at this time of year.
The temporary use ban prohibits the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning private vehicles, watering plants on non-commercial premises, cleaning private leisure boats, filling or maintaining domestic pools, ponds, or ornamental fountains, and cleaning parts of domestic premises including walls and patios. The restrictions will remain in place until weather conditions improve and local storage returns to sustainable levels.
