August 15, 2025 - 748 views
A drought has been declared in parts of Wales due to the driest six months in almost 40 years.
The areas affected are in the South East, including the Vale of Glamorgan, and parts served by the River Wye and Usk.
However residents and businesses in North Wales are also being urged to use water wisely to help the environment.
River flows and groundwater levels are being closely monitored as levels in the North, and across Wales, are low or exceptionally low.
Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager from NRW said: “The weather we’ve seen this spring/summer has been exceptional, with Wales recording the driest six-month period since the drought of 1976.
“The lack of significant rainfall has taken its toll on the environment, and we are receiving reports of low flows and dry riverbeds in some locations, low groundwater levels as well as reports of fish in distress and algal blooms.
“Catchments in south east Wales have been particularly impacted, with rivers receiving very little rainfall in recent months, and the Usk and Wye recording persistently high river temperatures which can threaten fish populations.
“As the area enters into a state of drought, we will step up actions in line with NRW’s Drought Plan.”
