It always rains here… so why should we save water?
We know what you’re thinking: “It always rains here!”
And you’re not wrong. In our part of Wales, we’re lucky to enjoy a lush, green landscape thanks to our fair share of rainfall.
But here’s the thing, our weather is becoming more unpredictable.
Last year here in Wales we experienced one of the driest three-month periods on record, and even the driest six-month spell in nearly 50 years. It might feel like it always rains, but when dry spells hit and demand for water rises suddenly, small changes can make a big difference.
Hot, dry weather = higher demand
When the sun does come out, and we all rush to enjoy it, our water use can go up by almost 50%.
Whether it’s watering the garden or staying cool with extra showers or letting little ones enjoy paddling pools, we all tend to use more water when temperatures rise.
At the same time, there’s often less rain to top up the rivers and reservoirs we rely on. So even a short dry spell can make a big difference.
From floods to droughts, sometimes in the same year
Our climate isn’t just getting drier. It’s getting more extreme.
Across Wales, we’re seeing more frequent periods of dry hot weather alongside heavier rainfall and storms.
In fact, extreme weather events are now becoming a regular feature of our climate, rather than something unusual. Last spring and summer was very dry, followed by a wet autumn and winter. This caused both wet and dry records in the same 12 months even though rainfall was close to average in total.
That means we can go from very wet conditions to much drier ones in a short space of time, and these extreme conditions are really hard for us all. So working together helps us protect water supplies when it matters most.
So where does your water come from?
Ever wondered what it takes to get clean water to your tap?
It’s more than just turning a handle, every drop goes on a journey.
Your water comes from rivers, reservoirs and under the ground. From there, it’s carefully treated and travels through our network – taking around 12 hours to reach your home.
Working behind the scenes – 24/7
While the weather changes, our teams don’t stop.
We monitor the network around the clock, fix leaks quickly and check water quality constantly to keep wonderful water flowing for everyone.
We also plan ahead for dry weather, so we can act early to protect supplies for homes, businesses and the environment.
Why small changes matter
When demand rises, small changes at home can make a big difference, like:
It might not seem like much, but when lots of people do a little, it adds up quickly.
Every drop counts – whatever the weather
We’ll always do everything we can to keep water flowing. But as our weather becomes more unpredictable, working together matters more than ever.
So, whether it’s sunshine or showers, every drop really does count.
Find more ways to save...
Not only could you be a water saver, you could cut your bills, too. Click the 'With a meter' box below to find out more.
If you notice a change to your water
At this time of year your water might look or taste slightly different.
It’s nothing to worry about – we’re often moving water around the network to make sure it gets to you when you need it. So it might not quite be what you’re used to.