A drought was officially declared on Friday in parts of Wales, coming days after several regions in the UK reported a lengthy period of dry weather without rain and record temperatures as well.

The areas affected include North Ceredigion, Teifi, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthen, Swansea, Llanelli, Neath Port Talbot, and Bridgend.

Water companies in most parts of Wales have already enforced restrictions on water usage, including a hosepipe ban. 

River Thames endangered by climate crisis 

Drought was officially declared across most of England last week following the driest July since 1935.

Natural Resources Wales said the move was taken due to "the pressures the high temperatures and lack of significant rainfall have had on the environment."

The body's sustainable water manager, Natalie Hall, commented that the extreme lack of water and heat "have put a huge strain on our rivers, reservoirs and groundwater level," as the River Thames has reached its lowest point since 2005.

John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, argued that the UK has failed to mend water systems as they could not cope with climate change, and the current drought in England testifies to this, noting that more hot dry spells are being interspersed with heavier rainfall. 

Thames Water, which supplies 15 million people in London and some surrounding areas, announced Wednesday that it was introducing a hosepipe ban effective from August 24, explaining that the demand for water has not been this high for 25 years. 

Please take a break from using your hosepipe to help rivers recover during this dry spell.
You may have read about hosepipe bans in the news. We can get through this by working together, fixing leaks, and saving every drop at home.

Find more guidance at https://t.co/v68RLJ1ze9 pic.twitter.com/1giI0o7DhI

— Thames Water 💧 (@thameswater) August 17, 2022

The timeframe from March to June had only 61% of its usual expected rain in Wales, which is known for its lush and effervescent landscape. 

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