Drought has been officially declared in parts of Wales after poor rainfall has caused reservoirs to dry up worryingly.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said the threshold for triggering drought conditions has been reached in south-west Wales today.
Decisions were made with the Welsh Government in response to persistent heat waves that were devastating the environment, especially rivers and reservoirs.
Affected areas include North Ceredigion, Tayfi, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthen, Swansea, Llanelli, Nice Port Talbot and Bridgeend.
In parts of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, hosepipe bans have also been implemented as they strain public water supplies.
Natalie Hall from NRW said:
"This can affect not only some of our most valuable habitats and species, but also systems we often take for granted, such as our water supply.
'Drought conditions in southwest Wales after no rain revealed Decided to declare that the recent heat is putting a great strain on rivers, reservoirs and groundwater tables.
"Although it may rain in certain parts of Wales , it can still take a long time to recover from drought, making water a precious resource.”
Average rainfall in July and water levels in all rivers Ewenny, Teifi and Taf were "exceptionally low", lower than expected for this period, NRW said. Flooded to create a reservoir for Lake Birynwy and supply Liverpool with water, it has reappeared.
Wales is experiencing its driest five months in 40 years, from March to July, and the rest of the country is also affected by dry weather.
Last year, Wales used the equivalent of 356 Olympic pools of water daily, and in recent weeks the country's daily demand has increased by 25% of hers.
Experts expect the current rainfall to be short and intense and unlikely to change the situation significantly, with significant rainfall over the fall and winter to ensure recovery. It states that wet weather is required.
This is breaking news. Details will be announced later.
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