SUMMER water shortages are becoming more common, with more areas imposing hosepipe bans during heatwaves.

Kronospan in Chirk is now testing a new process which could mean it needs to take less water from the mains system, leaving average water users with more.

It is testing a system on its water storage lagoons in partnership with Ruthin-based Ellison Environmental Services (EES).

The pilot treatment system, known as a biologically aerated filter or BAF, will house bacteria capable of removing ammonia and other organic compounds, as well as filtering the water prior to leaving the site.

It means more rainwater will now be recycled for use and any excess rainwater will be filtered before it leaves the site, so that water going into the nearby Afon Bradley will be greatly improved.

The pilot is part of a £16.8 million environmental improvement programme at Kronospan.

Mick Ramsey, Kronospan's works director, said: 'We are pioneering the latest technologies which help us to improve the quality of our water.

'The new technology has been very successful elsewhere in the UK so it is particularly exciting that we are trialling it here in Chirk.'