North Wales moved into drought status after dry summer
North Wales has been declared in drought following months of hot and dry weather, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirmed today, Friday, 29 August.
The decision was announced after hydrological data and environmental reports were considered by the Welsh Government’s Drought Liaison Group.
Areas affected include:
• Dee (Wales)
• Upper Severn
• North Gwynedd (Conwy, Anglesey, Arfon, Dwyfor)
• South Gwynedd (Meirionydd)
• Clwyd
NRW says the declaration follows impacts on rivers, groundwaters, land and wildlife, with reports of streams drying up, fish in distress, and a significant wildfire at Newborough National Nature Reserve over the bank holiday weekend.
Ben Wilson, Principal Advisor at Natural Resources Wales, said:
“The rainfall this week will provide some welcome respite for our environment, land and wildlife, but it will take many months, and more consistent rainfall for our environment to fully recover.
“The six-month period between February and July was the driest since the drought of 1976, and has placed extreme pressure on our rivers, groundwaters, agriculture and wildlife. In some areas, this has caused river flows and groundwater levels to drop below historic lows.”
He added: “As climate change accelerates, summers in the UK are expected to become drier, and extreme weather events will become more frequent and intense.
“While essential water supplies remain safe, we’re urging people to think carefully about their own water usage in the home and at work, to protect supplies for the environment as well as public water supplies.”
Water companies have confirmed that drinking water remains safe. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water says there are no current plans for hosepipe bans, but members of the public are being asked to use water wisely.
NRW says other impacts of the drought include private water supplies drying up in some areas, pressures on livestock farming due to reduced grass growth, and the loss of recently planted trees.
As of 26 August, Wales had received just 22 per cent of the average rainfall for the month. Between February and July, Wales recorded its driest six-month period since 1976, with only 555mm of rainfall.
NRW is urging anyone who sees dry riverbeds, fish in distress, pollution or other environmental incidents to report them using its online form or by calling the 24-hour incident hotline on 0300 065 3000.
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