Extra water released into River Dee amid high temperatures

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) made the decision, aiming to reduce the risk of fish deaths by boosting water flow and oxygen levels.

At midday on Monday, June 22, NRW increased the discharge from Llyn Tegid into the River Dee by two cubic metres per second, about a 30 per cent rise.

Robert Bissell, team leader for hydrology and water resource management at NRW, said: "Prolonged periods of hot weather and low flows can place significant pressure on fish and other wildlife.

"By using the Special Release Allocation, we are able to respond quickly and provide additional support to the river environment when it is most needed."

The additional flow has been timed to reach the tideway downstream of Chester Weir by Wednesday morning, when the highest temperatures are forecast.

NRW said more than double the amount of water will reach this section of the river than would naturally occur under current conditions, reducing stress on fish caused by low water levels and reduced oxygen levels linked to high temperatures.

The water has been taken from the Special Release Allocation, a dedicated volume within the River Dee Regulation Scheme set aside to deliver environmental benefits when needed.

Mr Bissell said: "We will continue to monitor conditions closely and take further action where necessary to protect the River Dee and its wildlife."

The intervention comes as the region braces for mid to high 30s Celsius, with temperatures not expected to return to the low 20s until Sunday, June 28.

An amber weather warning for heat was in place for Wednesday and Thursday.

Low flows and high temperatures can be especially dangerous for fish, leading to lower oxygen levels and increased risk of mortality during extreme weather.