PARTS of Wales are going to face a hosepipe ban amid the driest weather conditions since the 1970s.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water will now impose a ‘Temporary Use Ban’ from 8am on August 19, for customers in Pembrokeshire.
The water company says the county is approaching drought levels, following the driest year since 1976, and that steps are being taken to “protect the local environment over the coming months”.
Pembrokeshire has only seen just over 60% of the expected rainfall between March and July and since becoming aware of the lower than normal rainfall, Dŵr Cymru says it has undertaken a number of activities to help conserve water in the area.
This has included increased detection and repair of leaks, plus the use of water tankers to respond to peak periods of demand in some parts of the County.
Ian Christie, Welsh Water’s Managing Director of Water Services told this newspaper: “Hosepipe bans are not something we take lightly.
“If we are to make sure there is enough water to see us through the rest of the summer and into the autumn then we need to act now to try and prevent any further restrictions later on.
“The ban will apply to just over 2% of the three million population we serve in Wales.
“More broadly we do not intend to introduce restrictions more widely across our operating area.”
“We have done a lot of work to communicate with customers in the area over the past few months about the importance of not wasting any water and we really do appreciate the steps people have already taken.
“We would urge everyone now across Pembrokeshire to respect the ban and not use a hosepipe. There are exceptions, particularly for those holding a Blue Badge or on our Priority Service Register.
“We will also be writing to all customers that will be affected and publicising the ban more widely in the area.”
The official public notification of the ban will be published in an advertisement placed by Welsh Water in The Pembrokeshire Herald on Friday, August 5.
