Environment Agency Wales has confirmed that reservoir levels in Wales are full or nearly full, so there is no current prospect of a drought – unlike in parts of England.
The Agency is however warning against complacency, as periods of exceptionally dry weather in recent years pushed parts of Wales close to drought with many rivers running low.
If Wales experienced a dry spring and summer this year the situation could deteriorate and have an impact on wildlife in rivers.
Environment Agency Wales has said it has a drought plan in place for Wales should the situation deteriorate.
It also said that Wales is likely to face challenges in the future on water resources as changing weather conditions brought on by climate change could effect the amount of water available.
Environment Agency Wales is responsible for the strategic planning of water resources in Wales and does this by balancing the needs of public supply, industry, tourism, agriculture and the environment.
Certain Welsh rivers are already at the limit in terms of how much water can be taken from them without causing damage to the environment and the wildlife that relies on them.
The Environment Agency’s Drought Prospects report, published on Tuesday, warns the drought affecting England could spread as far north as East Yorkshire and as far west as the Hampshire–Wiltshire border, if the dry weather continues this spring.
The whole of the south east and east Anglia are already in drought.
Chris Mills, Director of Environment Agency Wales said: “Although we have enough water in Wales at the moment, there is no room for complacency. There are some rivers which we believe are at the limit for how much water is available to be taken without harming the environment.
“We have to make sure that there is enough water available for people and for businesses as well as for the wildlife that relies on healthy flows in our rivers.
“When water levels are low it can cause problems for important species like salmon and sewin when they migrate to spawn. It also intensifies the effect that pollution has if there is an incident.
“In the future, with the likely impact of climate change, an already stretched resource will become under increasing pressure. We are working with water companies and the Welsh Government to plan for this eventuality to make sure we have enough water for us all.”