COUNCILS AROUND the country are under extreme pressure to supply water to households and businesses after thawing snow and ice caused leaks in all areas.
Only Cavan, Laois and Limerick have said their reservoirs are not under pressure as demand due to burst pipes, running taps and water storage outstrips supply.
Most households can expect reduced pressure for at least the rest of the week and all have been asked to conserve water.
Below is a summary of how councils are affected:
CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL: The mains supplying Carlow have been unaffected by the recent weather conditions, but pressure will be reduced throughout the county at night in the coming days.
CAVAN COUNTY COUNCIL: The council has an adequate supply in all reservoirs at present, though some customers are still without water due to freezing.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL: Demand for water has increased by 20 per cent and most plants are at or near production capacity. Water is restricted in many areas and cut off at night in some places.
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL: There are severe water shortages in Rafeen, parts of Bantry and in the Allihies, as well as other areas. Tankers are supplying water from the council.
CORK CITY COUNCIL: Many areas experiencing problems can expect the return of a full supply today, but with a boil warning as a precautionary measure.
DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL: Water supplies here are experiencing extremely high demands. Supply from reservoirs in Glenties and Stranorlar were closed last night and will reopen this morning. Letterkenny town and surrounding areas may experience interruptions.
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL: All parts of Dublin city and county can expect water cuts over the coming days due to high demand.
DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL: Reservoir levels are critically low and pressure is being reduced to all areas as a consequence. Some households may go without water for long periods.
FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL: Reservoirs are critically low and customers will suffer reduced water pressure or a complete loss.
GALWAY CITY COUNCIL: Consumption has been very high and some customers may be experiencing low pressure.
GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL: Reservoir levels have fallen significantly over the past 48 hours and restrictions are in place. Tankers are being deployed.
KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL: Reservoir levels have improved in the last 24 hours and the service may right itself in the next few days.
KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL: An increase of 16 per cent in demand has resulted in reservoirs at critically low levels. Night-time pressure reductions will continue.
KILKENNY CITY AND COUNTY: Drinking water will be supplied at fire stations in the city and county. Mobile crews and standpipes are being deployed in some areas.
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL: Supplies are generally back to normal, though usage at Portlaoise reservoir is up by 25 per cent and at Mountrath by 40 per cent.
LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL: The water supply has substantially improved, though consumption remains higher than normal. It may be necessary to continue to cut supplies at night.
LIMERICK CITY COUNCIL: There is no rationing of water, though the council is producing 25 per cent more water than normal.
LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL: Interruptions in supply are inevitable over the coming days. Among the area experiencing difficulties with supply are Caherconlish, Oola, Carrigmore and Doon.
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL: Due to a large number of burst pipes throughout the county, the council is experiencing difficulties in maintaining water supplies. Pressure may be reduced or cut.
LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL: Some 500 households are affected by frozen pipes or leaks. Though consumption has increased, the council has not yet needed to reduce pressure
MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL: Residents in Achill, Tonragee and Curraun on Achill Island are asked to minimise their water use as supply is under severe pressure.
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: Reservoirs in some areas are at a critical level, resulting in major disruptions to supply including reductions in pressure and loss of supply at intervals.
MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL: Reservoir levels are sufficient, the council has said, despite higher levels of usage.
As conditions change, water supplies may be interrupted due to burst pipes.
OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL: There are some localised problems, but no shortage of water.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL: The North East Regional Scheme must be turned off from midnight to 8am.
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL: All water supplies may be subject to curtailment at night.
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL: Water pressures have been returning to normal, but levels have been cut back at night in an attempt to rebalance supply.
SOUTH TIPPERARY AND NORTH TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCILS: Many areas were without supply last night and may have low supply again tonight.
WATERFORD CITY COUNCIL: The council has not turned off water, but there is loss of supply to some households caused by frozen or burst pipes.
WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL: Cheekpoint Reservoir has emptied completely and the council is working on providing an alternative supply. Water levels in Tramore are also being monitored, but there is no interruption.
WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: Though levels here are recovering, the council is not yet in a position to allow normal usage.
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL: The thaw has caused leaks and demand is up 30 per cent. The council has called on owners of holiday homes to check for leaks.
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL: Water usage has increased dramatically and pressure has been reduced throughout the system to conserve supplies. This could result in loss of supply, particularly at night in some areas.
TIPS ON SAVING WATER
Do not use power showers as you may not have sufficient water to serve the pump.
Avoid using dishwashers or use only when completely full.
Do not leave the tap running when brushing your teeth.
Do not leave your tap running before filling your kettle.
Only use washing machines when you have a full load.
If you have a modern toilet flush facility, use the short flush button properly.
Take a shorter shower.
Only flush the toilet when necessary.
–
Olivia Kelly
