Wales ‘needs to prepare for more weather extremes’

EXPERTS at Natural Resources Wales have said that the hot and dry summer has been a clear reminder of the need to prepare for more weather extremes and the need to use our water resources wisely.

The warning comes as six areas in Wales are being moved from ‘drought’ to ‘drought recovery status’.

The environmental agency confirmed that recent rainfall has improved the situation in south west Wales and has triggered the threshold to move to a position of recovery. Senior decision makers from NRW, Welsh Government, water companies and key representative groups met on Thursday to consider the latest hydrological and environmental data for Wales at the Drought Liaison Group meeting.

The south west saw 115% of its long-term average rainfall for September and October so far has received 77% of the long-term rainfall average (as of October 25). River flows across the area have recovered to normal, or above normal for the time of year as a result. Wetter soil has also reduced concerns for the environment, wildlife, habitats and land management.

This improved situation and change in status does not mean that we are out of the woods as localised concerns could remain. While groundwater is showing some signs of recovery, levels are still low and could take some time to replenish if Wales does not receive enough rainfall over the autumn and winter months. This may bring localised impacts such as to private water supplies. NRW will continue to monitor the situation until it is confident the area has returned to normal status.

The areas moving to recovery are: North Ceredigion (Rheidol, Aeron, Ystwyth), Teifi Pembrokeshire (Eastern and Western Cleddau), Carmarthen (Tywi and Taf), Swansea and Llanelli (Tawe and Loughor), Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend (Neath, Afan, Ogmore). The rest of Wales remains in drought.

Natalie Hall, sustainable water manager for Natural Resources Wales said: “We have taken the decision to move south west Wales to drought recovery status as we are starting to see our rivers and reservoirs in this area returning to normal ranges for the time of year, and the natural environment, ecosystems and habitats are showing positive signs of recovery.

“However, people should not assume that we have returned to normal conditions in this area.

“The dry weather and hot temperatures we saw over the summer also put extreme pressures on ecosystems and habitats and we are continuing to monitor those impacts on our environment.”