Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has issued a statement confirming that reservoir levels remain healthy despite a surge in demand caused by the ongoing heatwave. The water company has no plans to introduce restrictions for customers, a spokesman said.
Heatwave Conditions Persist Across the UK
The UK has experienced weeks of largely dry weather and hot temperatures, with hosepipe bans being introduced in some parts of England. The Met Office said the scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of the UK are due to last into the coming week, with most areas expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said: “The overall pattern continues to remain settled with large amounts of sunshine through this week, and temperatures peaking around 30°C–32°C across parts of England and Wales. In terms of rain, there’s a chance of some showers and thunderstorms in isolated spots in the south of England on Wednesday and Thursday, but these are likely to be sporadic in nature, and many people won’t see any rain this week.”
Wildfire Risk in Wales
Experts have also warned that parts of Wales are at risk of wildfires due to how dry the ground is. Fire crews have been battling a huge blaze at Conwy Mountain for over 30 hours after Wales saw temperatures above 30°C this weekend. The wildfire threat remains high as the dry spell continues.
Hosepipe Bans in England
In parts of England, the hot, dry weather has led water firms to announce hosepipe bans. Millions of people across south-east England face restrictions as the country’s third heatwave in three months puts water resources under pressure. The bans mean customers must not use a hosepipe for activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, patios, paths and driveways, cleaning windows or filling swimming and paddling pools.
Welsh Water's Position
Welsh Water said that it is experiencing "very high demand" at the moment but confirmed reservoir levels remain healthy despite the heatwave and dry weather. The company has no immediate plans to implement a hosepipe ban, distinguishing it from several water firms in southern England.
It comes as the Met Office forecast for Wales this week predicts scorching temperatures will continue for much of the country, with little, if any rain, to be expected. By the weekend, high pressure builds back in from the northwest, reducing the shower risk and bringing a return to more widely settled, dry and still warm conditions. Temperatures ease slightly by Saturday compared with the midweek peak, but continues to remain fine and warm for many areas.
