Conwy’s Water Woes: A Deep Dive into the Supply Disruption of January 18, 2025

On Wednesday 15 January, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) informed the Welsh Government regarding a mains water pipe fracture near the Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works, Dolgarrog, Conwy.

The Welsh Government triggered its civil contingencies response systems on Wednesday evening to assist the multi-agency North Wales Strategic Coordination Group directed by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

This was a significant rupture, posing a complex repair in a notably difficult location beneath the Afon Ddu. Water services for up to 40,000 residences were disrupted during Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 January. A major incident was declared, and the Welsh Government has been deeply involved in facilitating the multi-agency coordinated response.

The interruption of water supply for any prolonged duration has a considerable effect. It is evident that, as this event has progressed, it has led to substantial anxiety for residents in Conwy and had a considerable influence on individuals, schools, and businesses. On Thursday 16 January, 23 schools shut down, and on Friday 17 January, 40 schools were closed.

The Deputy First Minister had a meeting with the Chief Executive of DCWW to receive updates on the progress of repairs and the supply of water to affected individuals. The Deputy First Minister emphasized the necessity for transparent communication with the public and ensured that emergency water supplies are provided and available to everyone, particularly focusing on vulnerable customers.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales convened with the Leader of Conwy Council to deliberate on the repercussions of the situation. They addressed the measures being implemented to aid individuals who have lost water supplies and the effects on businesses.

Officials have maintained close contact with Defra and the UK Government’s emergency response hub, COBR, throughout the duration of the incident. The Alternative Water Supply Group and mutual assistance from across the water sector have attained substantial additional quantities of bottled water, including supplies from England and Scotland.

DCWW has now confirmed that the essential repairs have been finalized and the broader water system is currently being replenished. The process is being conducted meticulously, given the extent of the network affected and the high pressure under which the system in this region of Wales operates.

DCWW are striving to restore supplies to households and businesses in the impacted areas as swiftly as possible and, alongside local public services, they are concentrating on ensuring that the most vulnerable households receive protection for the duration of the incident.

Public Health Wales has released guidance to individuals on how to stay safe and hydrated while water supplies remain interrupted, and additional bottled water provisions are being dispatched to the affected areas. You can find this information: weather and health on Public Health Wales.

DCWW has established bottled water collection points in Dolgarrog, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, and Llandudno which will be monitored to guarantee water availability where it is necessary as supplies are restored, along with initiatives to deliver to more remote communities.

DCWW are also arranging supplies for local farmers for agricultural purposes. Two collection locations have been set up to allow farmers to fill bowsers and tanks, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is collaborating with the NFU and FUW to communicate effectively.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has outlined provisions for compensation accessible to residential and commercial customers. Further details can be found on the Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water website.

Ministers wish to express gratitude to all the first responders and the numerous agencies that have supported the impacted communities, especially those in vulnerable situations. We also want to acknowledge the dedicated teams of engineers who have been laboring tirelessly to repair the rupture. This is a particularly arduous repair, which has been executed as promptly as possible under challenging and hazardous circumstances.

The Welsh Government’s incident response will remain active, and we will continue to assist DCWW and the multi-agency North Wales Strategic Coordination Group as necessary until the water supply is restored to normal levels.