# River levels in Wales approach record lows Drought announcement imminent as fish and wildlife face danger. - **Source:** [BBC News](https://brifing.si/source/647b890e-c85e-45b8-9588-ccfecdec4a99) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4916213f-489d-46b4-9929-2a1c75a7fda5 ## Drought looms River levels in Wales have reached record lows, with only 5% of average July rainfall. Back-to-back heatwaves and an unusually dry spring have pushed water resources to critical levels. Fish and aquatic life are dying, while crops suffer significant damage across agricultural regions. ## Official announcement pending Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has placed northern and southeastern regions under 'prolonged dry weather' status - the first step toward drought declaration. NRW officials may declare an 'environmental drought' on Thursday, which primarily threatens ecosystems rather than drinking water supplies. ## Rivers in crisis Northern Wales rivers like Clwyd, Alwen, and Alyn, along with the border-straddling Wye River, show exceptionally low flow levels. Despite emergency water releases from reservoirs, recovery will take time. NRW operations head Huwel Manley stated, 'Even larger rivers are running below normal levels.' ## Ecosystem emergency Environmental drought causes oxygen depletion, rising water temperatures (reaching 28°C in the Wye), and blocks fish migration. Drying riverbeds lead to biodiversity loss. These conditions typically emerge before agricultural impacts or public water shortages become apparent. ## Farmers under pressure At the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, farmers described adapting to climate extremes - delayed spring planting due to heavy rains, now facing drought conditions. Observers note trees showing autumn colors unusually early, signaling profound ecological stress before August. ## Public conservation urged Authorities recommend water conservation measures like showering instead of bathing and leaving water for garden wildlife. Afonydd Cymru CEO Gail Davies-Walsh warned, 'Our water usage directly impacts river flows and wildlife survival,' amid concerns that anger over sewage spills may reduce compliance. ## Climate crisis intensifies Wales' water crisis demonstrates climate change impacts becoming operational realities. Drought compounding existing river pollution pushes ecosystems toward collapse. Experts emphasize needing both individual conservation and systemic solutions to address this escalating environmental emergency. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c80n5rvx917o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._