Natural Resources Wales (NRW) declared drought status for the Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, Clwyd, Dee and Upper Severn catchments on 23 July 2026, the Welsh Government announced in a written statement that day. The same assessment moved additional areas of South and West Wales from normal into prolonged dry weather status1.
The changes follow a prolonged period of hot and dry weather in recent weeks. On 16 July 2026, NRW had already moved a number of catchments across North Wales, the Upper Severn and South East Wales into prolonged dry weather status1. The Welsh Government said the further moves reflect the continued lack of significant rainfall and sustained high temperatures, which are increasing pressures on rivers, wildlife and habitats1.
| Classification | Areas |
|---|---|
| Drought status (declared 23 July 2026) | Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, Clwyd, Dee and Upper Severn catchments |
| Prolonged dry weather status (from 16 July 2026) | A number of catchments across North Wales, the Upper Severn and South East Wales |
| Prolonged dry weather status (added 23 July 2026) | Additional areas of South and West Wales |
Separately, Dŵr Cymru introduced a Temporary Use Ban on 19 July affecting parts of Mid and South Ceredigion, North Pembrokeshire and North Carmarthenshire. The company confirmed this was a localised response to exceptionally high customer demand rather than a shortage of water resources, and advised that reservoir levels remain healthy1.
Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, said:
"Drought and prolonged dry weather are environmental classifications and should not be confused with measures taken by water companies to manage public water supplies."
Why it matters for households
The Welsh Government stated that households and businesses served by public water supplies continue to receive water as normal, and that there are currently no immediate concerns regarding public water supplies in Wales1. The drought and prolonged dry weather classifications are environmental, and the statement distinguishes them from the measures water companies take to manage public supplies1.
The Temporary Use Ban in parts of Mid and South Ceredigion, North Pembrokeshire and North Carmarthenshire has applied since 19 July 2026. The statement directs households to Dŵr Cymru's dry weather information page for details of the restrictions and the current water supply position1.
Owners and users of private water supplies, such as wells, boreholes, springs or streams, who experience difficulties or require advice should contact their local authority, the statement says1. The minister encouraged everyone to be water aware, use water responsibly and follow the latest advice from NRW and their water supplier1. Background on dry conditions is set out in the site's heatwaves and drought guide.
What happens next
NRW continues to monitor conditions closely and coordinate its response in line with its drought management framework, and publishes the latest information on environmental conditions and drought status on its dry weather update page1. The Welsh Government said it continues to work closely with NRW, water companies, the Met Office and other partners through the Wales Drought Liaison Group to monitor conditions and coordinate a joined-up response1. The statement was issued during recess to keep Members informed, and the minister said he would be happy to make a further statement or answer questions when the Senedd returns1.
