Water demand expected to surge during Wales heatwave

Welsh Water has issued the advice to households across Wales ahead of the heatwave this week, as temperatures could reach up to 37°C in parts of the country on Thursday (June 25).

An amber weather warning for heat is in force for most of North and Mid Wales, but a red warning for heat has been issued for large parts of South Wales.

Marc Davies, director of water services at Welsh Water, said: "Now that the red heat alert has been declared, we’re asking our customers to take extra care and stay healthy and safe.

"Please drink enough water to stay hydrated and cool – this is especially important for children, the vulnerable, and the elderly."

The company supplies around 850 megalitres of water each day, but demand is expected to exceed 950 megalitres as temperatures rise above 30°C.

Teams are working around the clock to maintain supply and keep up with higher usage, with a fleet of water tankers helping to replenish supplies in areas where demand is especially high.

Welsh Water is also urging people to use water efficiently to help ensure the supply can be maintained for everyone.

Simple steps include reusing paddling pool water for the garden, using watering cans instead of hosepipes, and taking shorter showers instead of baths.

Mr Davies said: "Our teams are working around the clock to make sure we can keep up with the increased demand for water during this period.

"We are also out across our operating area working to fix leaks on our networks.

"However, we do also ask our customers to be mindful not to waste water during this period of warm weather, to help ensure that we have plenty of water available to all our customers."

The company is also reminding the public that swimming or paddling at reservoirs is not permitted and can be extremely dangerous.

Reservoirs are operational sites and pose hidden risks such as very cold water, strong currents, sudden drops, and underwater machinery.

Welsh Water’s site rangers will continue to patrol reservoir sites and add extra patrols during the school holidays and periods of very hot weather.

Open water swimming is only allowed at approved visitor attraction sites under the supervision of qualified lifeguards.

Customers can access advice, free water-saving products, and up-to-date reservoir information through Welsh Water’s official website.