Temporary hosepipe ban is finally lifted

THE hosepipe ban across Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire has been lifted after more than two months.

The ban, officially known as a “temporary use ban” was put in place on August 19 for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water customers served by the Llys-y-fran reservoir near Haverfordwest.

The ban was lifted yesterday. Customers in the affected areas haven’t been able to use their hosepipes for weeks following the driest summer on record since 1976.

Water levels across almost all of Welsh Water’s 91 reservoirs in Wales fell during the hot weather and drought and the company had to treat a record-breaking amount of water every day – more than one billion litres per day, compared to the usual 850 million.

But although the ban is being lifted, Welsh Water has warned customers not to use more water than they need to.

Ian Christie, managing director of water services, said: “We are pleased that we are able to lift the hosepipe ban for our customers served by Llys-y-fran reservoir and we really do thank them for their full co-operation, which really did help ensure we kept the water flowing to our customers there throughout the summer and protect key rivers in Pembrokeshire.

“While this is good news, we are not out of the woods yet. Our reservoirs are dependent on rain to refill over the autumn and winter. The forecast for a drier than average autumn, with only limited rain expected in the immediate future, is a concern.”