A drought has been declared in the Vale of Glamorgan following the longest dry spell in nearly 50 years.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirmed on Thursday that the south east had reached ‘trigger thresholds’ had been met, amid another spell of high temperatures and a lack of rainfall.
The areas surrounding both the Cadoxton and Thaw rivers are among those affected.
NRW is urging the public to “use water wisely” this summer to help ease pressures on the environment as well as water supplies.
The rest of Wales remains in prolonged dry weather status, but the environmental body says it will step up its monitoring of river flows and groundwater levels, along with the impact on the environment, land, agriculture and other key sectors.
Rhian Thomas, NRW’s sustainable water and nature manager, 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.”
According to NRW, the six month period between February and July was the driest since 1976 - and the 16th driest in 190 years.
Across Wales, there’s been 555mm of rainfall so far this year - nearly as dry as conditions three years ago, which saw drought status declared nationwide by September.
June did offer some respite in some areas, but with the return of hot, dry weather in July, South East Wales received only 53% of its monthly average rainfall.
The majority of river flows across Wales are therefore low or exceptionally low, as are groundwater levels.
Apart from the Vale of Glamorgan, other areas falling under drought status include Rhondda Cynon Taf and those served by the River Wye and Usk.
NRW says even if rain starts to appear in the forecast, it will take some time for rivers, ground waters and soils to recover after such an exceptionally dry start to 2025.
Rhian Thomas added: “While many people are enjoying the summer holidays, we’re urging people to be mindful about their water use and consider how they can conserve water at home and in work.”
“We also urge people who may be out and about enjoying the environment to report any emerging environmental concerns – such as fish in distress, dry river beds or pollution – via our incident form or by calling our incident hotline on 03000 65 3000.”
Other impacts of the drought include the drying of private water supplies in some areas, impacts on land management, tree planting, navigation and recreation and farmers needing to seek alternative livestock watering supplies and supplementary feeding due to reduced grass growth and the loss of recently planted trees.
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