A hosepipe ban is being enforced in parts of Wales from later this month, Dwr Cymru has confirmed. The measures are necessary to ensure that the water supplier can maintain service through the remainder of the summer and into the autumn.
It has been the driest year since 1976, which combined with record temperatures and increased demand for water, means reservoirs in the Pembrokeshire area are approaching drought levels. Therefore, from August 19, a ban will be enforced across Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire.
The Met Office say Wales saw the driest July since 2006, with 52mm of average rainfall and only 53% of the rain that would be expected in that month. The ban means customers will not be able to use a hosepipe to carry out activities in and around their properties such as watering plants or filling paddling pools or hot tubs, and if they do, they could be landed with a huge fine.
Each water company is allowed to set its own terms and conditions regarding prosecution. However, if suspected of using their hosepipe during a ban, Dwr Cymru customers could face a hefty fine of £1,000 and a court summons. If found guilty, customers can be convicted and ordered to pay the fine.
Those suspected of breaking the ban can be reported one of two ways, either to the local authority or to the water company itself. In order to avoid accidentally securing a hefty fine, Dwr Cymru has released the following guidance on hosepipe use during a ban:
What can't you do?
- Water a garden or plants
- Fill a domestic swimming pool, paddling or hot tub
- Fill a pond or ornamental fountain
- Clean a car, walls or windows of a house
- Clean paths, patios or other surfaces like decking
- Clean a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
What can you do?
- To water a new lawn within 28 days of it being laid
- For business use, for example garden centres
- To fill pools needed for medical treatment
- To fill a fountain used for religious practices
- To top up a fishpond
Dwr Cymru will run a seven day consultation period between August 10 and 17. If anyone would like to make a representation to the company to be considered for an exemption not already outlined in the ban, then they should do so during that period.
Ian Christie, Welsh Water’s managing director of water services said: "We have not seen such prolonged dry conditions in Pembrokeshire since 1976. Introducing the hosepipe ban is not a decision we have taken lightly, however if we are to make sure there is enough water to see us through the rest of the summer and into the autumn then we need to act now to try and prevent any further restrictions later on. The ban will apply to just over 2% of the three million population we serve in Wales. More broadly we do not intend to introduce restrictions more widely across our operating area.
"We have done a lot of work to communicate with customers in the area over the past few months about the importance of not wasting any water and we really do appreciate the steps people have already taken. We would urge everyone now across Pembrokeshire to respect the ban and not use a hosepipe. There are exceptions, particularly for those holding a Blue Badge or on our Priority Service Register. A full list of what people aren’t allowed to do under the ban and the exceptions can be found on our website. We will also be writing to all customers that will be affected and publicising the ban more widely in the area."
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