Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water has announced a temporary hosepipe ban that will come into force at 10.00am on Sunday, covering roughly 33,000 properties in mid and south Ceredigion, north Pembrokeshire and parts of north Carmarthenshire. The measure is being taken in response to a sustained period of exceptionally high demand for drinking water, which the company says has been about 20% above normal levels.
Where the ban applies
The water company says the affected area forms a single supply zone served by two treatment works. Specific communities named by Welsh Water include:
- Llanon, Llangwyryfon and Cwm Ystwyth in Ceredigion
- Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern in north Pembrokeshire
- Farms, Pencader and Hermon in parts of north Carmarthenshire
Customers are advised to use the postcode checker on the Welsh Water website to confirm whether their property is within the restriction area.
Why the ban has been introduced
Welsh Water said reservoir levels remain healthy but the company is struggling to produce, treat and move enough water through the network rapidly enough to meet current usage. The temporary measure is intended to curb non-essential water use, protect local storage and ensure reliable supplies for homes, businesses and essential services.
“The Temporary Use Ban is a short-term emergency measure designed to reduce non-essential water use, protect local storage levels and help ensure reliable water supplies continue for homes, businesses and essential services.”
Kit Wilson, Welsh Water’s Chief Customer Officer, acknowledged the decision was difficult but necessary after several weeks of unprecedented demand. The company has been increasing production, transferring water around the network, deploying tanker vehicles and repairing leaks.
What residents should know
- The ban targets non-essential uses of water supplied by hoses; Welsh Water will publish details of prohibited and permitted uses on its website and via customer communications.
- It will remain in place until demand reduces and local storage returns to sustainable levels; there is no fixed end date.
- Customers can check whether they are affected using the postcode checker on the Welsh Water site.
| Start time | Estimated properties affected | Main areas named |
|---|---|---|
| 10.00am on Sunday | ~33,000 | Llanon, Crymych, Pencader and surrounding communities |
The company says openings that reduce non-essential use will help ensure water continues to be available for essential household needs and for businesses that rely on a steady supply. Customers with concerns about impacts on vulnerable household members or essential business operations are advised to contact Welsh Water directly so their circumstances can be considered.
As with previous temporary bans, enforcement and exemptions are typically set out by the company and local authorities; residents should look for official guidance from Welsh Water for full details of permitted activities and any penalties for non-compliance.
InfoRadar will continue to monitor developments and will publish updates when Welsh Water announces changes to the restriction or its operational response to the high demand.
