Wales moves into drought recovery after September rainfall
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that parts of the country affected by drought this summer have now moved into recovery following significant rainfall in September.
Drought was declared for south-east Wales on 14 August and for north Wales on 29 August. South-west Wales, which had been classed under “prolonged dry weather” status since May, is now moving into “recovery from prolonged dry weather”.
NRW said rainfall levels last month were well above average. By 22 September, recorded totals ranged from 102% of the long-term average in Bethesda, Gwynedd, to 212% in Sarn in the upper Severn catchment.
The majority of rivers are now at normal or above-normal flows for the time of year. However, some rivers are recovering more slowly and remain low, while groundwater levels continue to be a concern.
Dr Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said:
“As we head into autumn, our teams on the ground are reporting positive signs of the environment recovering, following one of the driest periods in nearly 50 years.
“But sufficient rainfall throughout the autumn will now be essential for river flows and groundwaters to fully recover before next spring.
“While September has brought some significant rainfall – even leading flood warnings and surface water flooding incidents – in some areas we are still seeing rivers regressing back after the rainfall has landed. This is a sign of the extreme pressure our environment has been under during this exceptionally dry period.
“It is likely that it will take many months for our environment to fully recover from the effects of the drought. We will continue to liaise with the water companies, the Welsh Government and others to monitor forecasts and the health of rivers, groundwaters, habitats and wildlife.”
NRW said it will continue to coordinate with the Environment Agency in England, as some catchments bordering Wales remain in drought status.
Anyone concerned about environmental impacts from the drought, or pollution, is urged to contact NRW’s incident hotline on 03000 65 3000.
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