Hosepipe ban likely 'in weeks'

RESIDENTS in parts of West Wales could be facing a hosepipe ban within weeks as Welsh Water declares a “drought developing zone” due to dry weather.

- ROB HARRIES

The Teifi Pools area of south and mid Ceredigion has seen less rainfall than expected between March and May, resulting in reservoir levels being 31% lower than the same period last year.

These reservoirs provide water to 32,000 properties in Ceredigion, as well as parts of northern Carmarthen-shire and Pembrokeshire.

Welsh Water has warned that “temporary use bans” could be implemented soon, depending on upcoming rainfall levels.

“Drought developing” is the second of five stages Welsh Water uses to measure drought levels, but it does not restrict customers’ water usage.

However, if reservoir water levels do not improve over the coming weeks, Welsh Water may have to escalate to stage three and issue temporary water use bans.