We’re introducing a Hosepipe Ban

The restrictions are being introduced because the area has experienced an unprecedented period of sustained high water demand, driven by prolonged hot, dry weather. Despite operating our water treatment works at maximum capacity and taking extensive action to maintain supplies, demand has remained significantly higher than normal for several weeks.

Unlike a traditional drought-related hosepipe ban, this is a demand-led, short-term measure. It is designed to reduce peak water use, ease pressure on the local water network and help ensure reliable supplies continue to reach customers while the current spell of hot weather persists.

This is not being introduced because there is a shortage of water in our reservoirs. The challenge is the exceptionally high level of demand for treated drinking water and the pressure this places on our ability to treat,pump and replenish local storage (in underground storage tanks) quickly enough to meet demand, particularly during the busiest parts of the day.

The restrictions are a temporary emergency measure for this area and will remain in place only for as long as they are needed. They will be lifted as soon as temperatures fall, demand returns to more normal levels and the network is operating sustainably again.

We would like to thank customers for the efforts they have already made to reduce water use. By continuing to use water wisely and avoiding non-essential use, customers can help protect supplies for everyone during this exceptional period.

Who's affected?

The affected area covers around 33,000 properties, stretching from Llanon, Llangwyryfon and Cwm Ystwyth in Ceredigion, across to Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern in north Pembrokeshire, and into parts of north Carmarthenshire, including Farmers, Pencader and Hermon.

Where does the water for this area come from?

The area’s water network is supplied by the Teifi Pools reservoirs on the western edge of the Cambrian Mountains and water abstracted from the River Teifi at Llechryd.

Moving water from reservoirs in different areas of Wales to supply the region isn’t practical, due to the typography of the area and the difficulties and cost involved with pumping large volumes of water across country.

What is a hosepipe ban?

A ‘hosepipe ban’ means you won’t be allowed to use a hosepipe in your garden or home.

Under the restrictions, the use of a hosepipe, including using sprinklers, dripper hoses, automatic irrigation systems and similar devices, is not allowed for the following activities:

Prohibited Uses

1. Watering a garden using a hosepipe
2. Watering plants that are in an outdoor pot or in the ground, under cover on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
3. Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use
4. Cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe
5. Cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
6. Cleaning walls, or windows, of domestic premises using a hosepipe
7. Cleaning paths or patios using a hosepipe
8. Cleaning other artificial outdoor surfaces using a hosepipe
9. Filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool
10. Filling or maintaining a domestic pond using a hosepipe
11. Filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain

Note that customers can still undertake the above activities if they use mains water from a bucket or watering can; or use water that is not sourced from the mains such as grey water, rainwater from a water butt through a hosepipe, or private boreholes for example.

What we’re doing to protect supplies

Our teams are working hard to ensure we’re taking every step possible to maximise water efficiency across our operating areas including:

• Leakage detection and repairs to cut the amount of water that is lost from the network. Teams are working across the country fixing leaks as quickly as they can. Our teams are currently fixing around 700 leaks every week and customers can help by reporting any leaks to us. Over the next five years, we will reduce leakage by a quarter and we’re spending around £400m on pipe replacement and leakage repairs to support this ambition
• Increased water storage.
• Rezoning and using tankers to move water to areas in high demand.
• Ongoing work to upgrade our network.
• Increased water production at our treatment works