Changes in lifestyles in recent years have been blamed for putting increasing pressure on water supplies.

Welsh Water says the main culprits are garden sprinklers and the huge children’s paddling pools that are increasingly common in back gardens.

People are being advised to use water wisely although no restrictions are expected this summer.

Welsh Water operations director Peter Perry said reservoir levels were satisfactory at around 72% capacity.

“Demand is up. We’ve seen in some areas, in the tourist areas, an 80% increase in demand over the last few weeks,” he said.

“I think it’s a range of things. Garden watering is a big draw on us. A sprinkler in an hour uses as much water as a family of four for one day. [Read more...]