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Wales drought extended
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has declared a drought across the whole of Wales as sustained high temperatures and record-low river levels worsen conditions for wildlife, agriculture and forestry.
“just 8% of its long-term average rainfall throughout the month”
NRW said Wales saw just 8% of its long-term average rainfall throughout July, with no significant amount since 6 July, and it added that the majority of rivers across Wales, including the River Wye and River Clwyd, are exceptionally low.
BBC reported that the nationwide announcement made on Thursday will trigger more monitoring of rivers and stronger advice for the public on use of water, while NRW said sustained high temperatures were causing the condition of the natural environment to "deteriorate."
The BBC also said the declaration of a drought does not mean there is currently a threat to water supplies for homes and businesses, with Welsh water companies saying reservoir levels are holding up after a wet start to the year.
Heat, wildfires, impacts
NRW linked the drought decision to record-low river levels, dry soils, widespread wildfires and mounting impacts on wildlife, farming and forestry, as Anadolu Ajansı reported citing NRW.
BBC described wide-ranging impacts including drying riverbeds, fish in distress, an accumulation of algae, wildfire risk and concern from farmers about crop growth, grazing conditions and water availability for livestock.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth told BBC Radio 5 Live that while there was no "immediate risk to the provision of drinking water," there needed to be "more resilience in our water supplies" across Wales and the UK.
BBC also quoted George Tomlinson, 29, who runs Rossett Park Farming in Wrexham, saying he had to sell 60 cows because the drought had killed off grazing land, and he described the situation as "depressing."
What comes next
NRW said its teams were dealing with reports of "wide-reaching impacts to the environment" and that it was closely monitoring forecasts and river flows while responding to increasing environmental concerns and incidents across Wales, according to BBC.
“"wide-reaching impacts to the environment"”
The BBC reported that Rhian Thomas said, "With no strong indications for notable rainfall in the forecasts, and risks of further heatwaves over the summer, it's more important than ever that we all use water wisely," and she added, "Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most."
In Wrexham, North Wales Live said NRW was encouraging people to use water wisely and that water company Dwr Cymru said there are no current Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans) in North Wales.
North Wales Live also said NRW teams were dealing with reports of drying riverbeds, fish in distress, algal blooms, continued wildfire risk and concerns from the agricultural community about crop growth, grazing conditions and water availability for livestock.
