Residents in Redwick near Magor in Monmouthshire described how “unbearable” day-to-day things have become due to severe water pressure issues and prolonged supply shortages.

Worst hit of all are farmers who are facing a “desperate and chaotic” situation.

Izabela Hembrow, 46, who has been farming in Redwick for 13 years told the South Wales Argus that “it’s not right in the 21st century to live like this and run a business like this”.

She said: “The last few years, we’ve experienced water shortages so we have invested a lot in 20,000 litre tanks [for example] which we fill up at night when demand in the village is less.

“However, on Friday we came very close to running out of emergency back-up water..

“We contacted Welsh Water and asked them if there are any problems, but we had many different responses and you’re always talking to someone different”.

When Ms Hembrow pointed out that cows were at risk of dying due to water shortages, she explained that someone from Welsh Water told her that animal welfare isn’t their concern and they only look after the residents.

Farmers in the community are desperate for Welsh Water to help them.

Ms Hembrow explained: “We don’t want to fight with them, we want to work with them to find a long term solution, it’s not right that we don’t deserve a water supply we can rely on.

“It’s years of reoccurring problems, and we wish someone would acknowledge that and come up with a plan”.

Welsh Water did offer them the option to refill tanks from a hydrant 20 minutes away which, while helpful, is not a long-term solution for farmers in the community as it costs a lot of time and fuel.

As a resident, she explained how difficult it can be to just do normal day-to-day things for example running a bath for her children, or filling the Milton. (Image: Emma Rogers)

Emma Rogers, 39, who has lived in the area for five years said the situation is getting “worse and worse”.

As a resident, she explained how difficult it can be to just do normal day-to-day things for example running a bath for her children, or filling the Milton.

She said: “We’re barely able to have a shower, the water is cold and we put heart and soul into renovating our house, and now we’re actually thinking about moving away”.

However, Ms Rogers main concern was for her farming neighbours.

Ms Rogers explained: “We’re a heavy farming community here and Welsh Water know that, the issue the farmers are facing.

“If it’s a problem with the system, the system’s infrastructure isn’t built for purpose”.

Villagers have rallied to help their farming neighbours but that still doesn’t offer a long-term solution.

Ms Rogers said: “Lots of people in the village fill up big tanks, but they only keep two to three cows watered a day.

“The village tries to help because we’re a community, but we shouldn’t have to be doing all this stuff ourselves.

“We would like to see an adequate infrastructure to meet the demand – that’s what we want”.

Peredur Owen Griffiths, Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Casnewydd Islwyn, said: “This is very concerning for people in Redwick.

“I have heard that some residents are unable to take showers on some days because water pressure is so low during sustained dry periods over the summer months; I have also been told that household appliances like washing machines and dishwasher become unusable in such conditions.

“There is also the significant impact this is having on the local dairy and beef farmers who do not have sufficient supply of water to keep their animals hydrated in this heat.

“The cows are drinking quicker than it is flowing out of the pipes, and this is becoming a significant animal welfare issue for local farmers.

“According to residents, the response from Dwr Cymru has been poor and there has been no talk of a long-term solution to the problem.

“This is why I am asking for a statement from the government on water provision in Wales during heat waves – which will only become more frequent in future – and what mitigation can be put in place to lessen the impact on water supply to places like Redwick”.

There is also the significant impact this is having on the local dairy and beef farmers who do not have sufficient supply of water to keep their animals hydrated in this heat. (Image: Izabela Hembrow)

A Welsh Water spokesperson said: “We understand customers in this area have been experiencing low pressure or intermittent supplies due to a significant increase in demand on their local network.

“We are working with the farmer and in the last 24 hours we have managed to increase the water pressure so the tanks there are able to keep up with demand. We also supported them to fill up their 10,000-litre bowser from a nearby network that is less impacted by the surge in demand on two occasions – once on Saturday and again on Monday afternoon.

“Water use is 17% higher than usual, with demand remaining elevated for much longer each day and into the night. We are producing more than a billion litres of water every day.

“Demand has been high for a number of weeks now – it has been above 900 megalitres a day since June 21, more than 950 megalitres since Monday, July 6, and more than 1,000 megalitres since Thursday, July 9. Usual demand is around 850 megalitres per day.

“Our teams are working around the clock, treating more water, moving supplies with tankers and fixing leaks. But we need the support of customers too.

“Small changes made by a lot of customers would make a big impact. By using water wisely, customers can help us keep taps flowing and avoid the need for further measures if the hot weather continues.”