Dry Weather
Spring and summer 2025 was the hottest on UK record, including four heatwaves in Wales.
Despite the challenges, we managed to get through the dry, hot period without having to apply any temporary use restrictions - such as hosepipe bans.
What we've done over the Spring and Summer seasons
Over the Spring and Summer seasons we closely monitored reservoir levels across our operating area as they were slightly below the usual levels at that time of year.
During periods of hot weather over the last few months demand for water increased considerably – increasing by up to 20% during the heatwaves.
We’d like to thank customers for helping us by using water responsibly and reducing their consumption.
Welsh Water's accelerated leakage repair programme has had significant impact on preserving water supplies across Wales, with over 16,000 repairs across the operating area since the start of the year. 817 repairs have been completed between April and August across Ceredigion alone.
Our fleet of water tankers have been moving water around the network to keep underground drinking water tanks topped up in areas where there are high levels of demand.
Active Warnings
There are no areas of concern at the moment.
Reservoir levels
Around 95% of our water resources originate as surface water either from reservoir storage or river abstractions. The below image shows the status of our reservoir levels and is updated weekly.
We have very little dependence on groundwater supplies.
This reliance on surface waters can increase vulnerability to short periods of low rainfall as river levels change more quickly than groundwaters. River levels are the responsibility of Natural Resources Wales.
Stages of drought
We follow five stages of action in our Drought Action Plan, which we manage through demand management measures. We work closely with Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and other agencies at each stage as part of the Wales Drought Liaison Group.
This is where we are for most of the year but our 23 water resource zones across Wales can move to different stages at different times. During this stage, weather is normal for the time of year with no concerns on supply or demand side. But in spring or early summer, we may start messaging to customers to introduce the importance of saving water.
We are experiencing dry conditions and the forecast is for warm, dry weather to continue. Water resources are starting to show signs of developing drought but only in some very localised areas.
Due to prolonged dry weather, water resources are lower than we would expect for the time of year. To protect supplies, a temporary use ban may be in place as a necessary step in some areas.
Continuation of the prolonged dry weather resulting in exceptionally low water resources. Additional measures will be taken to sustain supplies to customers with temporary use measures in place.
Emergency Measures: Water resources have now reached levels where it is impossible to maintain a regular supply to customers therefore emergency measures need to be implemented. This could include the use of standpipes and timed cuts to water supplies or widespread pressure management whilst fully considering the potential impact on water quality within specific areas of our water supply network.
By working together during exceptionally challenging dry weather conditions, we are able to announce the end of drought conditions and the temporary restrictions which have been put in place.
You can view our full corporate drought plan here.
Drought Plan
Welsh Water’s Drought Plan outlines how we manage water supplies during dry periods to ensure continued service for our customers while protecting the environment. The plan includes monitoring water levels and weather patterns to anticipate drought conditions. We work closely with Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and other stakeholders to develop the plan.
Our latest Drought Plan is available here.
Related news
- 16th September 2025 - Welsh Water confirms no water restrictions needed this year
- 25th July 2025 - Welsh Water thanks customers for helping protect water supplies amid ongoing dry conditions
- 12th June 2025 - Welsh Water declares ‘Developing Drought’ status for Mid and South Ceredigion
- 1st May 2025 - Welsh Water customers urged to think about water consumption as dry spell continues
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