Genista Tanner never imagined she would be left without running water in the home she has lived in for three decades.
The 72-year-old, who lives in rural Ceredigion, relies on a well for her water supply. But for the first time in 30 years, the well has run dry.
Tanner is one of more than 100,000 people across Wales who rely on private water supplies, according to the , externalBritish Geological Survey.
Researchers have warned that many of them are vulnerable during droughts, and the problem could get worse in future.
Wales had the driest July on record and remains in drought conditions.
“I have not had any fresh water coming from the well into the house for at least a month,” said Tanner.
Tanner’s home is not connected to the mains water network, instead drawing water from a well in a field across the road.
For most of the year, gravity carries enough water to the property for bathing, washing and household use. In drier periods, a pump helps move water from the well into storage tanks.
This summer, however, there was nothing left to pump.
“I’ve never had that happen before. Never. In all the 30 years we’ve lived here,” she said.
Tanner now relies on bottled water from supermarkets, water borrowed from friends and family, and has travelled for more than 40 minutes to have a shower at her daughter’s home in Aberystwyth.
“I never realised the value of water until I didn’t have it,” she said.
“I’ve discovered that 1.7 litres of water will wash my hair. I’ve also discovered that four cups of water will give me a good wash.”