WELSH Water has vowed to stop water gushing from a water hydrant in Monmouth reportedly more than four weeks after it began wasting water.

The promise comes today after the water giant was contacted by the Beacon regarding residents’ frustration about the wastage during the driest summer in memory.

The pipe, located next to Monmouth allotments has, according to residents, been gushing water every day and night for more than a month, despite nationwide concern over water shortages.

Speaking to the Beacon today, Welsh Water has claimed that rather than being a leaking pipe, the fire hydrant has in fact been turned on in order to flush unclean water from the system after a burst water main was repaired on 4th July.

The quality of the water has been monitored through samples until mineral levels returned to regulatory amounts and the flush could stop.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We are aware of the water running from the fire hydrant near the allotments in Monmouth. This is linked to ongoing work we are doing on the water network following a burst earlier this month.

“We appreciate that some people may see this as water being wasted but we can assure customers it is an essential part of ensuring that when the pipe is brought back into operational use that it is fully compliant with the necessary industry standards.

“We have been closely monitoring the water coming from the hydrant and anticipate that the work will all be completed by the end of the day today (Friday 20th July).”

The pledge comes the same day as Welsh Water launches an appeal to ask people to conserve water through the “dry spell” of July and August.

Natalie Hall, Water Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “We’re responsible for securing the proper use of natural resources in Wales and making sure there is enough water available for all needs including the environment and people.

“Every drop of water we use is taken from rivers or groundwater, so we are asking people to conserve water as much as they can.”

Welsh Water claim the flush began after the main repair at the beginning of the month, but this is being contested by residents who claim the water has been running for more than four weeks.