Welsh Water hosepipe ban set to affect 33,000 properties in west Wales

A hosepipe ban affecting 33,000 properties in west Wales will be introduced this weekend.

It follows a prolonged period of “exceptionally high demand” for drinking water across mid and south Ceredigion and parts of north Pembrokeshire and north Carmarthenshire.

Welsh Water said temporary restrictions will come into force from 10:00 BST on Sunday, July 19 to “help protect essential water supplies”.

Water companies have the authority to impose fines of up to £1,000 on those who violate a hosepipe ban under the Water Industry Act.

The affected areas include 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.

Wales Water said they had seen several weeks of sustained demand at “unprecedented levels”, with about one billion litres of drinking water put into supply every day during the past week – about 20% more than what would be expected at this time of year.

Growing numbers of holiday-makers and visitors to the area as the summer holiday season begins are expected to add further pressure.

Welsh Water have advised customers to check whether their property is affected by using the postcode checker, external on their website.

Kit Wilson, chief customer officer, said implementing the temporary use ban had “not been an easy decision”.

“We fully appreciate that these temporary restrictions will disappoint some customers, particularly during a period of warm weather. However, after several weeks of unprecedented demand, they have become necessary to help protect essential water supplies,” Wilson said.

“By reducing non-essential water use, everyone can help protect supplies and reduce the risk of further disruption,” he added.

Welsh Water said restrictions will remain in place only for “as long as they are necessary”, and will be removed as soon as demand returns to “sustainable levels”.