All of Wales declared a drought zone

With very little rainfall and sustained high temperatures over the last week, conditions across Wales’ natural environment have forced Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to extend its drought declaration across the whole of Wales.

This follows the announcement last week, where north Wales and the Upper Severn entered into drought status after hydrological and environmental thresholds for drought had been met.

Updated figures show that Wales has received just 8% of its long-term average rainfall for July. As a result, this month is on course to be the driest July in Wales since records began 190 years ago.

The majority of rivers across Wales are exceptionally low, including the Rivers Clwyd, Dyfi, Alyn, Clywedog, Dyfi, Conwy, Cleddau, Cothi, Teifi, Wye and Usk.

Groundwater levels continue to regress across Wales, with some also lower than expected for the time of year.

NRW teams are dealing with increasing reports of wide-reaching impacts to the environment, land and on agricultural activities.

This includes reports of drying riverbeds, fish in distress, algal blooms, continued wildfire risk and concerns from the agricultural community about crop growth, grazing conditions and water availability for livestock.

Regulation releases, including compensation releases, are being made to support river systems, abstraction and the environment. Additional reservoir releases to these are being made in some locations to support river ecosystems and fisheries, while abstraction controls and drought response measures continue to be implemented in line with NRW’s Drought Plan.

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.”

Drought is declared by NRW when a combination of indicators shows a significant shortage of rainfall and water availability, resulting in impacts on rivers, groundwater, ecosystems, agriculture and land management. Water companies have their own triggers and drought definitions for public water supply.

NRW drought teams continue to meet regularly and have increased environmental monitoring across Wales.

The organisation continues to work closely with water companies, Welsh Government, the Environment Agency and members of the Wales Drought Liaison Group to monitor conditions and coordinate responses.

With drought status announced for many areas in England on Wednesday, they are liaising with the Environment Agency on cross-border rivers Wye, Severn and the Dee to ensure they have a full picture of river health.

For the latest information about public water supply from water companies in Wales, please visit Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water or Hafren Dyfrdwy.

Rhian added: “The extreme weather patterns we’ve seen over the last 12 months are a stark example of the impacts of climate change here in Wales and the UK.

“As an organisation, we’re already planning for these kinds of events to become more frequent, with hotter, drier summers and wetter winters predicted to become the norm.

“This includes our long-term drought planning, flood risk management and how we manage our land to become more resilient to the risks of wildfire and pests in the future.”