Uisce Éireann appeal to public to continue using water responsibly as warm and dry conditions continue

Uisce Éireann are appealing to customers nationwide to continue using water responsibly as warm and dry conditions persist.

A Water Conservation Order remains in place for the entire country to help protect public drinking water supplies following a prolonged period of exceptionally warm and dry weather, combined with high demand for water across the country.

In a statement, Uisce Éireann said: “We would like to thank the public for their efforts to conserve water, which have helped to reduce demand in many areas. With the ongoing dry weather several water sources remain under pressure.”

In Westmeath, water supplies continue to be closely monitored, and night time restrictions are in place for customers served by the Ballany Reservoir.

While customer conservation efforts have helped reduce demand, water sources remain under pressure and every effort to conserve water remains important.

The priority for Uisce Éireann is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.

Customers are being asked to continue avoiding non-essential water use and to play their part in protecting supplies for homes, businesses and essential services.

Margaret Attridge, head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, said: “We would like to thank customers across the country for the support they have shown since the Water Conservation Order was introduced. We have seen demand reduce in many areas and those efforts are helping to protect water supplies.

“Many of our water sources, however, remain under pressure following an extended period of warm and dry weather and it will take time for those sources to recover.

“With warm conditions expected to continue and temperatures set to rise again in parts of the country, we are asking everyone to continue doing what they can to conserve water.

“Simple actions such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaking taps and toilets, fully loading dishwashers and washing machines, and using a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler can all make a meaningful difference. Every drop counts.”

The Water Conservation Order is in place until August 26 and is reviewed on an ongoing basis taking into account weather conditions, soil moisture deficits and the status of water supplies.

Uisce Éireann take measures to protect supplies, including maximising water production, repairing leaks, managing network pressures and encouraging water conservation nationwide.

Customers can find practical water-saving advice and further information at water.ie/conservation. Members of the public are also encouraged to report leaks in the public network by calling 1800 278 278.