The Environment Agency has classed a Powys reservoir as ‘notably low’.
Clywedog reservoir, operated by Hafren Dyfrdwy under direction of the Environment Agency and National Resources Wales, is one of seven reservoirs that have been classed as ‘notably low’.
‘Notably low’ reservoirs
- Grafham Water operated by Anglian Water
- Blithfield reservoir operated by South Staffs Water
- Clywedog operated by Hafren Dyfrdwy under direction of the Environment Agency and National Resources Wales
- The Dove reservoir group operated by Severn Trent Water
- Ardingly Reservoir operated by South East Water
- The Lower Thames reservoirs operated by Thames Water
- Clatworthy Lake operated by Wessex Water
Three reservoirs have been classed as ‘exceptionally low’ for the time of year.
‘Exceptionally low’ reservoir
- Blagdon, operated by Bristol Water
- Wimbleball, operated by South West Water
- Hanningfield, operated by Essex and Suffolk Water
On Thursday (30 July), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) declared a drought for the whole of Wales.
Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said: “The intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in Wales. Our teams are closely monitoring forecasts and river flows and responding to increasing environmental concerns and incidents across Wales.
“The toll on the environment, our land and agriculture is clear to see, with many of our teams still dealing with the aftermath of extensive wildfires which have devastated forestry, grassland and special habitats.
“With no strong indications for notable rainfall in the forecasts, and risks of further heatwaves over the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all use water wisely. Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most.”
When it could rain in Powys
Mark Sidaway, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, said: “The forecast is showing potential for more rain than much of the UK has experienced over the last few weeks.
“However, it looks as though amounts of rain for many will be fairly modest, and won’t balance out the shortfall that we have recorded this summer. It’s still possible that some areas of the south will miss out and see little or no rainfall.”
