Uisce Éireann urges water conservation in parts of Westmeath as demand grows
Uisce Éireann are urging customers across Westmeath to use water wisely as demand for treated water continues to rise during the current spell of warm weather.
Uisce Éireann are actively monitoring the network, managing water resources, repairing leaks and implementing targeted measures to protect supplies where needed.
Although raw water sources remain at healthy levels, the sustained warm weather has significantly increased water usage. That means treated water is being used faster than it can be produced and replenished in local reservoirs, placing additional pressure on the network.
Customers can help by making simple changes to their daily water use. Small actions at home, at work and in communities can make a meaningful difference, helping reservoirs recover and ensuring a reliable supply for everyone.
Overnight restrictions are in place for customers supplied by the Ballany Reservoir. The local community may experience lower water pressure or temporary interruptions to supply between 10pm and 8am while the measures are in operation.
(Ballany Water Treatment Plant provides treated water to the Ballany Public Water Supply (PWS) which is served via two reservoirs, the Low Level Reservoir serving Castlepollard and Delvin and the High Level Reservoir serving a population of 1,444 in the neighbouring rural areas.)
In addition, to support water supplies during the period of increased demand, Uisce Éireann have put contingency measures in place in Kilbeggan and Rathconrath.
They include targeted contingency tankering operations to replenish treated water reservoirs and support areas experiencing increased demand. The additional water helps maintain reservoir levels, protect local supplies for customers during periods of sustained pressure on the system.
Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor reservoir levels closely and adjust operations daily based on demand, usage and weather conditions.
David Gibbons, operations manager, Uisce Éireann, said: “Although raw water sources remain at healthy levels, the sustained warm weather has significantly increased demand for water. Nighttime restrictions are being implemented in the north of the county at Ballany to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”
More information on water conservation can be found here.
Tips to Conserve Water
• Drop the hose: Use a rose-head watering can over a hose or sprinkler. Aim for the roots. Water plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation. • Take short showers instead of a bath: Reducing your shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute. A typical bath uses 80 litres
• Turn off the tap: Not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to 6 litres a minute. Keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinks.
• Fill up your appliances: Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full load
• Fix dripping taps: A single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year
• Use a basin in the sink: Use a basin when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plants
• Clean the car with a sponge: When washing your car, avoid the hose and use a bucket and sponge instead.
• Install a water butt: Use it to collect rainwater from your gutters for gardening or washing the yard
• Pick plants wisely: Opt for low-water plants like lavender or olive trees. Established plants and lawns often don’t need watering unless there’s a drought
• Lock in moisture: Add bark or plant material to flower beds to prevent evaporation or use gel beads in pots to keep roots hydrated.
People can report leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at Report a Leak.
Uisce Éireann’s customer care team are available 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also use X @IWCare with queries.
For further updates, visit the service and supply section of water.ie.
Uisce Éireann have a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the Text Alert page.