**Welsh Water Appeals for Caution Amidst Soaring Temperatures and Surging Water Usage**
As Wales braces itself for yet another spell of intense heat, with Saturday predicted to hit highs of 33°C, authorities are preparing for exceptional demand on the nation’s water resources. Welsh Water has issued an urgent call for people to be judicious in their water consumption during the anticipated weekend heatwave.
Meteorologists at the Met Office have forecasted a relentless stretch of hot weather, with temperatures expected to remain around 30°C from Friday through Sunday. The high temperatures are further exacerbated by strong UV rays and elevated pollen counts, adding to the challenges faced by the public during this period.
In recent months, Wales and much of the UK have recorded some of the driest springs in living memory. June, in particular, went down as the warmest ever for England, and these abnormal weather patterns have caused significant pressure on water supplies in many regions. Welsh Water reported earlier this year that reservoir levels in Mid and South Ceredigion, along with parts of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, had dropped significantly, prompting the utility to declare a ‘Developing Drought’ status for those areas.
The impact of the heat is already being felt. Welsh Water noted a continuing surge in demand for water, which typically spikes during periods of extreme weather. On a typical day, the organisation treats and delivers approximately 850 megalitres of clean water to homes and businesses — equivalent to about 320 Olympic-sized swimming pools. However, when temperatures rise above 30°C, water use can rocket to over 970 megalitres daily, with much of this increase driven by activities like topping up garden paddling pools, filling hot tubs, and using sprinklers.
Ian Christie, managing director of Water Services at Welsh Water, emphasised the need for collective action, stating, “We want everyone to make the most of the warmer weather while also remaining mindful of the vital importance of water. Staying hydrated is essential, but we urge customers not to be complacent with supplies, and to help protect both our water resources and the wider environment.”
One of the main culprits identified in outdoor water wastage is the garden sprinkler, often seen as an essential tool for keeping lawns looking healthy during heatwaves. Welsh Water points out that sprinklers can consume around 1,000 litres of water every hour — equivalent to the amount a typical family uses within the home over two full days. By reducing use or watering gardens in the early morning or late evening, individuals can help alleviate some of the pressure on the water supply network.
Beyond its calls for sensible water use, Welsh Water has also issued a safety warning against swimming in unauthorised reservoirs. The temptation to cool off in deep bodies of water may be high during a blistering summer, but company officials caution that such sites can conceal dangerous currents and operational machinery, making them hazardous even for proficient swimmers.
The organisation is also encouraging the public to play their part in a broader effort to conserve supplies by reporting any visible leaks as soon as possible. Quick action can prevent significant water loss and help maintain a reliable supply throughout the challenging months ahead.
Looking ahead, the Met Office predicts a change from Monday, with cooler and cloudier conditions on the horizon, alongside the chance of heavy showers at times. For now, however, communities are urged to band together to ensure resilient and sustainable water supply for all.
As Wales confronts both record-breaking warmth and the mounting effects of climate change, officials remain vigilant and ask everyone to consider their own role in safeguarding this most precious resource. The message is clear: enjoy the sunshine, but do so with care and responsibility.