With the driest start to the year since 1929 (January to June 2010 has been the second driest for 100 years) and a distinct lack of precipitation over the last eight weeks (nationally only 68% of average rainfall) water levels on all of the local reservoirs are really low.
Just over 14 weeks ago the reservoirs were gripped in a deep freeze with large area's of the surface frozen solid but one of the driest periods in the last eighty years has seen a remarkable transformation to the visual landscape.
I set off along the Beacons Way in the direction of Llwyn On (also known locally as First Res.) to discover that the water level on the dam had dramatically dropped by approximately 20 feet.
Constructed in 1926 to supply the inhabitants of Cardiff, it has a capacity of 1,260 million gallons. If the current drought continues the remains of Ponty Daf Bridge, which normally remains hidden below the surface, will soon be visible. Welsh Water are satisfied with the current average capacity of 72% and do not anticipate any water restrictions until the Autumn.
The next stop was at Cantref Reservoir (which is known locally as Second Res!!) where the exposed earth banks were starting to crack as they dried out.
These butterfly's were in their natural habitat near the Nant Crew Bridge at the northern end of the Cantref Reservoir.
Probably the worst affected locally was Dolygaer Reservoir, which covers about 40 acres and has an average depth of 18 feet. With such low water levels the Environment Agency Wales has rescued hundreds of fish nationally due to the exceptional drought conditions.
While I was at Dolygaer this Heron was able to wade near the middle of the rapidly diminishing expanse of water in search of it's next meal! it's surprising how nature is able to adapt to the extreme conditions.
All of the photographs taken on this walk can be viewed here. Select 'slideshow' for automated viewing.
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