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River levels across Wales are nearing historic lows as officials prepare to declare an “environmental drought” for several regions. After experiencing just around 5% of the average rainfall for July, compounded by consecutive heatwaves and a dry spell from April through June, Wales is facing severe water shortages. Afonydd Cymru, the representative body for the country’s rivers trusts, highlighted that the critically low river flows are causing severe harm to fish and other wildlife. Simultaneously, farming groups have raised concerns over crop failures and livestock under heat stress. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is expected to make an official drought announcement soon and stated that they are monitoring conditions closely.
Last week, NRW already classified north and south-east Wales as being in a state of “prolonged dry weather,” a status that acts as an initial warning step toward drought. This classification activates more intensive monitoring of rivers and key wildlife habitats, alongside issuing guidance for farmers and other water users dependent on river supplies. Huwel Manley, NRW’s operations head for south-west Wales, noted that multiple watercourses are drying up, with even larger rivers exhibiting unusually low flows. Among the rivers experiencing critically low water levels are the Clwyd, Alwen, Alyn, Clywedog, Dyfi, and Conwy in the north, as well as the Wye, which spans mid and south Wales along the English border. Reservoirs are releasing extra water to maintain flows in the Clwyd, Wye, Severn, and Dee rivers.
Although some rain is forecast over the upcoming weekend, Manley cautioned that river ecosystems will take time to recover. He suggested that parts of Wales could soon be officially declared under an environmental drought, indicating that water shortages are causing immediate and significant damage to ecosystems rather than merely posing risks to drinking water supplies. He urged the public to conserve water for the benefit of wildlife and habitats, recommending simple measures such as choosing showers over baths and providing water for mammals and birds in gardens.
Gail Davies-Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru, raised alarm about water quality deteriorating as river flows decline amid ongoing pollution problems. She pointed to instances of rivers drying up and fish dying due to insufficient water. Rising river temperatures, reaching as high as 28°C in the Wye and Usk, also threaten aquatic life. Davies-Walsh expressed concern that public frustration toward water companies over issues like sewage spills may discourage conservation efforts. Despite understanding these frustrations, she emphasized the importance of individual water use in sustaining river flow and protecting wildlife.
Farmers and gardeners at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in Powys reflected on the weather’s damaging effects. Paul Thomas from the National Vegetable Society stressed the need for adapting to climate changes, including gathering rainwater. Garden writer Stephanie Hafferty described how extreme spring rains gave way to sudden dryness, with signs such as premature tree autumn colours appearing early. Farmer Elen Hughes from Flintshire described her family farm’s fields as parched, requiring supplementary feeding for livestock due to inadequate food growth. Abi Reader, president of NFU Cymru, noted the combined impact of heat and drought causing stress to livestock and earlier-than-usual crop ripening, leading to concerns over reduced yields.
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water clarified that NRW’s environmental drought declarations differ from their own operational water use restrictions. While NRW bases its drought status on environmental indicators like rainfall and river conditions, Welsh Water’s Temporary Use Bans (such as the recent hospipe ban affecting 33,000 properties in west Wales) are implemented to manage local water demand and reservoir replenishment. The utility explained that variations in treatment capacity and supply capabilities mean that water restrictions may apply differently across regions, regardless of NRW’s drought classifications
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