Welsh Water first to lift hosepipe ban

(by Karma Loveday)

Welsh Water has lifted the hosepipe ban that has been in place for around 33,000 properties across mid and south Ceredigion, parts of north Pembrokeshire and north Carmarthenshire.

This followed recovery in treated water storage levels, and decreased demand linked to the ban, as well as to lower temperatures, increased rainfall and the end of the summer tourist season. The company thanked its customers for their contribution while the ban was in place.

In England, there has so far been 33% of the long-term average rainfall in September. Many rivers have seen increased flows, but many remain below normal for the time of year.

The Environment Agency’s latest report added that groundwater levels continue their seasonal decline, and reservoir storage continued to fall to 56.9% nationally, which is just under 20% lower than would be expected. There are now 12 reservoirs or reservoir groups that are less than half full.

Public demand has fallen, but drought status and hosepipe bans in England remain unchanged.

• Both Essex & Suffolk Water’s North Suffolk Reservoir and Thames Water’s Lower Thames to West London Reservoirs Strategic Resource Option will continue to receive development funding to gate B under decisions from Ofwat. The former will provide storage for surplus raw water from the River Waveney. The latter involves constructing a tunnel to connect the West London reservoirs that are either side of the River Thames.