Dry Weather Advice and guidance
With prolonged dry weather continuing to put pressure on rural communities, CLA Cymru has stepped up its engagement with Ministers, agencies and land managers to ensure the sector has the support and guidance it needs.
We wrote to Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, outlining members’ concerns about wildfire risk, water scarcity, livestock welfare and the growing strain on rural businesses. The letter calls for clear, timely communication from government, practical support for land managers, and recognition of the vital role rural businesses play in mitigating wildfire risk across Wales. If your private water supply has run dry then please contact your local authority using the table below.
| Local Authority | Department / Team | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blaenau Gwent | Environmental Health (Public Protection) | 01495 311556 | environmental.health@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk |
| Bridgend | Shared Regulatory Services - Environmental Health | 0300 123 6696 | environmentalhealth@bridgend.gov.uk |
| Caerphilly | Environmental Health (Public Protection) | 01443 866533 | ehealth@caerphilly.gov.uk |
| Cardiff | Shared Regulatory Services - Environmental Health | 0300 123 6696 | environmentalhealth@cardiff.gov.uk |
| Carmarthenshire | Environmental Health | 01267 234567 | envhealth@carmarthenshire.gov.uk |
| Ceredigion | Public Protection - Environmental Health | 01545 570881 | publicprotection@ceredigion.gov.uk |
| Conwy | Regulatory Services - Environmental Health | 01492 574000 | regulatory.services@conwy.gov.uk |
| Denbighshire | Public Protection - Environmental Health | 01824 706000 | environmental.health@denbighshire.gov.uk |
| Flintshire | Environmental Health | 01352 703420 | environmental.health@flintshire.gov.uk |
| Gwynedd | Environmental Health | 01766 771000 | iechydamgylcheddol@gwynedd.llyw.cymru |
| Isle of Anglesey | Environmental Health | 01248 750057 | ehealth@anglesey.gov.uk |
| Merthyr Tydfil | Public Protection - Environmental Health | 01685 725000 | environmental.health@merthyr.gov.uk |
| Monmouthshire | Environmental Health | 01633 644644 | environmentalhealth@monmouthshire.gov.uk |
| Neath Port Talbot | Environmental Health | 01639 686868 | environmental.health@npt.gov.uk |
| Newport | Environmental Health | 01633 656656 | environmental.health@newport.gov.uk |
| Pembrokeshire | Public Protection - Environmental Health | 01437 764551 | envhealth@pembrokeshire.gov.uk |
| Powys | Environmental Protection / Private Water Supplies | 01597 826000 | environmental.protection@powys.gov.uk |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | Environmental Health (Public Health & Protection) | 01443 425001 | environmentalhealth@rctcbc.gov.uk |
| Swansea | Environmental Health | 01792 635600 | environmental.health@swansea.gov.uk |
| Torfaen | Environmental Health | 01495 762200 | environmental.health@torfaen.gov.uk |
| Vale of Glamorgan | Shared Regulatory Services - Environmental Health | 0300 123 6696 | environmentalhealth@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk |
| Wrexham | Environmental Health | 01978 292000 | environmentalhealth@wrexham.gov.uk |
Usage Notes
- These contacts are the primary routes for reporting private water supply issues, including drought-related failure.
- Councils may redirect to specialist officers depending on severity, risk to health, or livestock welfare.
- Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) covers Cardiff, Bridgend, and Vale of Glamorgan.
Key Advice for Members
- When contacting your local authority, state clearly that your private water supply has failed or is at risk due to drought.
- Mention any vulnerable residents, livestock welfare concerns, or public health risks.
- Councils have statutory duties to assess private water supplies and can escalate urgent cases.
Alongside ministerial engagement, CLA Cymru has approached Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to obtain the most up‑to‑date guidance on dry weather management, wildfire prevention and water abstraction rules. NRW’s current advice highlights increased wildfire risk, the need for careful water use, and the availability of dry‑weather support for farmers:
Natural Resources Wales / Advice for farmers in periods of dry weather
The Welsh Government has also confirmed a package of support for farmers facing prolonged dry conditions, including capital grants for boreholes, water‑harvesting equipment and ventilation systems through the Capital Production and Efficiency Grant. Temporary derogations under the Sustainable Farming Scheme are available where extreme weather affects compliance:
https://www.gov.wales/support-available-farmers-dry-weather-continues
Rural schemes: application dates | GOV.WALES
RABI, the farmers' charity, is offering grants of up to £2,000 to farms experiencing significant financial pressure as a result of the drought. The fund will support personal and household expenditure and Welsh farms can apply between 14 and 18 September.
https://rabi.org.uk/drought-support/
CLA Cymru continues to emphasise the essential role rural businesses play in reducing ignition risk, managing vegetation, supporting fire‑resilient landscapes, and protecting communities. We will maintain close dialogue with Ministers, NRW and Fire & Rescue Services as conditions evolve.
