Welsh Water has warned a hosepipe ban is likely for parts of Wales this weekend due to heatwave conditions and record water demand
Claire Elliott and Wales Online readers
16:32, 17 Jul 2026
Welsh Water said it has already increased production, moved water around the network, used tankers and stepped up leak repairs(Image: Getty Images)
Wales Online readers have reacted to news that Welsh Water may introduce a hosepipe ban this weekend as hot weather and soaring demand puts pressure on supplies. The company has warned that restrictions may be brought in across parts of mid and south Ceredigion, north Pembrokeshire and north Carmarthenshire unless water usage drops over the coming days.
The potential ban follows a warning earlier this week urging customers to use water wisely as consumption levels have surged during the latest heatwave.
Welsh Water said the move would be an emergency measure to protect supplies and reduce the risk of low water pressure or interruptions for customers.
The company said around one billion litres of drinking water have been pumped into the network every day over the past week, around 20% higher than normal for this time of year.
Although reservoir levels remain healthy, Welsh Water said the challenge is producing, treating, storing and moving enough water quickly enough to meet the “exceptional” demand.
The affected area would cover around 33,000 properties, including parts of Ceredigion, north Pembrokeshire and north Carmarthenshire.
Welsh Water said it has already increased production, moved water around the network, used tankers and stepped up leak repairs, but demand continues to outstrip what can be supplied during peak periods.
Kit Wilson, Welsh Water’s chief customer officer, said the company was doing everything possible to keep supplies flowing but warned restrictions could be unavoidable unless usage falls. He said: “This is not a decision we want to take, but we must act in the interests of all our customers.”
The company said it will continue monitoring demand and weather conditions before making a final decision. Any restrictions would only apply to the affected areas and would be lifted once demand reduces and supplies recover.
WalesOnline reader Elijasbampa says: “If they reduce my bill, then maybe there would be a discussion to have. But if I’m paying for a service, I should be able to use it. People shouldn’t be expected to keep paying the same amount while being told they can no longer access what they’ve paid for.”
Dogman61 thinks: “Maybe we should start by looking after our own communities first. If Wales is facing water issues, people are going to ask why we’re still supplying other parts of Britain instead of making sure there’s enough for people here.”
Wizard until i die points out: “We need more reservoirs and storage capacity, because that’s where the real problem lies. It can rain for weeks during the winter, but if there’s nowhere to store that water, it simply runs off into rivers and out to sea. Capturing and storing more of it would help provide a more reliable supply when dry periods arrive.”
Enochs agrees: “ It’s hard to take lectures about saving water seriously when thousands of Olympic sized swimming pools are lost through leaks every day. Maybe fixing the leaks and sorting the ageing infrastructure should come before telling everyone else to cut back.”
Bluebuoy adds: “2025/26 was a winter of constant Atlantic storms and huge amounts of rain, with Cornwall seeing one of its wettest winters on record. The UK had rainfall well above average, yet after just a month of dry weather we’re already being told to be careful with water.
“A lot of people will be asking why, after all that rain, we still seem to end up struggling. Surely better planning, more storage and fixing years of underinvestment by water companies should be part of the solution.”
Claire M thinks: “Maybe fix the reservoirs we have. And think about making some more. If we’re already struggling, how is Wales going to cope with the tens and tens of thousands of new homes being built. That’s without thinking of where the water is going to come from for the proposed new data centre to be built.”
Allhands77 writes: “There are leaks everywhere. The M4 east bound stretch between junctions 45 & 46 has a constant puddle on it, all the way through these heatwaves. Welsh Water are cutting back on workmen to repair leaks. A farm I know was sent a bill for water usage, turns out there was a water leak using 2000m³ of water per day. It took over a month for Welsh water to come out and fix it.”
Christineaustin says: “Here we go again. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing water being turned off at certain times of the day, like they did back in 1976.. You’d think things should have improved since then!”
Karen D asks: “Considering we’re an island surrounded by water, you have to wonder why we haven’t invested more in desalination plants. They could help boost supplies all year round and reduce the risk of shortages. Plenty of Mediterranean islands rely on them and manage to keep water supplies running even during dry periods.”
Shaun R wonders: “Are car washes getting banned too? This hosepipe situation is getting a bit ridiculous. Weeks of restrictions are going to be hard for everyone, especially with the heatwave making it even more difficult.”
Welsh Water says a hosepipe ban could be on the way as demand soars during the heatwave. Do you think restrictions are necessary, or should more have been done to prepare for dry spells? Share your views in our comments section.