Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire will see a hosepipe ban introduced later this month after Dwr Cymru struggle to maintain supplies.

The ban comes into force at 8am on August 19 as a result of 2022 being the driest year since 1976.

This, combined with record temperatures and an increased demand for water, means that reservoirs in Pembrokeshire are now approaching drought levels.

The Met Office say Wales saw the driest July since 2006, with 52mm of average rainfall and only 53% of the rain that would be expected in that month.

Pembrokeshire has only seen just over 60 per cent of the expected rainfall between March and July.

As a result, Dwr Cymru, has begun a series of water-conserving activities including increased detection and leak repairs, plus the use of water tankers to respond to peak periods of demand.

"We haven’t seen such prolonged dry conditions in Pembrokeshire since 1976,” said Welsh Water’s managing director Ian Christie.

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“Introducing the hosepipe ban is not a decision we’ve taken lightly, however if we are to make sure there is enough water to see us through the rest of the summer and into the autumn, we need to act now to try and prevent any further restrictions later on.”

Mr Christie confirmed that he ban will apply to just over 2 per cent of Wales’ three million population.

“More broadly we don’t intend to introduce restrictions more widely across our operating area,” he continued.

"We have done a lot of work to communicate with customers in the area over the past few months about the importance of not wasting any water and we really do appreciate the steps people have already taken.

"We would urge everyone now across Pembrokeshire to respect the ban and not use a hosepipe."

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There are certain exceptions to the ban, particularly for those holding a Blue Badge or who are on Welsh Water's Priority Service Register.

A full list of what people aren’t allowed to do under the ban and all the exceptions can be found on the Welsh Water website  www.dwrcymru.com/drought.

All customers who will be affected by the ban will have written confirmation in the next few weeks.

Ahead of implementing the ban, the company will run a seven day consultation period between 10th and 17th August.

If anyone would like to make a representation to the company to be considered for an exemption not already outlined in the ban, then they should do so during that period.

Mr Christie added: "While the ban is in place, we will continue expending every effort we can to conserve water.

"Our teams will be out around the clock finding and fixing leaks as quickly as possible. Customers can also help us here by reporting leaks to us as soon as they notice them.

"We would like to thank customers for their cooperation on this and hopefully by working together we can protect drinking water supplies and prevent any further restrictions in the near future."