Parts of Conwy are facing severe water shortages, prompting residents and animal owners to take drastic actions. Coastal dwellers have been seen scooping sea water to flush their toilets, while many are frantically ordering bottled water online.
Farmers are struggling to provide for their livestock, and some pet owners are sparing their own thirst to ensure their animals stay hydrated. Generous individuals from neighbouring areas are offering their homes for people to collect water, and a local football club has opened its doors this evening for residents to use the showers.
Over 40,000 households, schools, businesses, hospitals, and care homes in Conwy have been left without water after a main at Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works in Dolgarrog burst. Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water has admitted that the repair is taking “longer than planned” due to complex issues, raising concerns that some properties may be without water until Sunday or even Monday. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Given that the Bryn Cowlyd facility supplies one of the largest networks in Wales, it’s expected to take up to 48 hours for the system to refill adequately to restore supply. In response, Dŵr Cymru is focusing on delivering bottled water to those most in need.
Although bottled water stations are set to be available tomorrow (Friday, January 17), there are reports that the company is finding it challenging to obtain the necessary quantities. Dŵr Cymru has also mentioned that compensation might be an option for affected customers, reports North Wales Live.
Residents in North Wales have resorted to unusual measures amidst a water crisis, with extraordinary scenes emerging on social media. One local shared his experience of fetching seawater for his household: “Needs must but people where looking at me like I was crazy,” This practical solution has inspired others, as one Conwy resident plans to do the same, commenting, “I wouldn’t even care how I look, in times like this really good idea. I only live five minutes from beach so if I need to go there with buckets I will.”
Some quick-thinking individuals turned to online shopping, with several placing orders for bottled water on Amazon in anticipation of speedy deliveries via Prime by tomorrow or Saturday.
However, not everyone has been successful in their quest for hydration. A disillusioned woman recounts her tale: “My son and I have been half a dozen places, to buy bottles, with no luck. He then came up with the bright idea to buy ice cubes! We now have some large bowls of them, defrosting. We were concerned for our pets too.”
A burst water main at Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works, Dolgarrog, North Wales
(Image: Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water))
Pet welfare is also at the forefront of discussions, with an empathetic dog owner in Colwyn Bay procuring water especially for her dogs: “I got some water from shop for our dogs. We can (drink) other stuff but they can’t.” Community spirit is shining through in Conwy as residents rally around to help those affected by the water crisis. With some vulnerable customers already receiving bottled water from Dŵr Cymru, kind-hearted neighbours are stepping in to lend a hand.
Local businesses, such as the Tal-y-Cafn pub-hotel and Cadwaladers ice cream shop in Betws y Coed, are offering to fill containers with water, prompting Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunder to praise their “amazing selfless act!” Other pubs and residents outside the affected area, including those in Kinmel Bay and Rhyl, are also offering to help. One Rhyl resident has even offered to fill containers for those in need, saying “Our water is fine and I’ll happily fill some containers for anyone if they bring them.”
Penmaenmawr Phoenix Football Club has also opened its changing rooms for people to use the shower facilities, which will be supervised by committee members. Meanwhile, residents are sharing updates online about shops that may still have bottled water available, and some are even suggesting refilling bottles at fast food restaurants. In a lighthearted moment, those with bottled water are being jokingly advised to “lock them up” to prevent them being “hijacked” by those in need.
Farmers and horse owners are facing a growing water scarcity crisis, with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) advising that up to 20 cubic metres of water may be abstracted daily from rivers and streams without a permit. However, a spokesperson cautioned: “This limit is not per farm so it is best to check your own individual situation with NRW.”
Horse owners, who often lack the means to abstract water, are particularly affected. One distressed owner, with 13 ponies and cobs, including Royal Welsh champions, shared her plight online: “I lost one horse during the last fiasco at the weekend,” she revealed.
“We were off for 24 hours.” She added: “Dehydration causes colic in horses quickly. I am worried sick as I can’t even feed them – their feed is mash-based, which requires water and you can’t just change a horse’s feed, it can cause problems again. We have been off more then we been on in last seven days.” Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. See our Privacy Notice.