Night-time water restrictions and urgent appeals for conservation have been introduced in a number of locations as the hot weather gives rise to increased demands for domestic, agricultural and leisure use.
In north Co Dublin, Fingal County Council is working to restore normal water supply to customers in a number of areas after high demand led to a drop in treated drinking water levels in reservoirs.
As a result, homes and businesses in Garristown, Ballymadun, Tobergregan, Baldwinstown, Palmerstown and surrounding areas may experience intermittent low water pressure and/or outages until 10am on Monday, Irish Water said.
Irish Water and @countykerry are urging customers to conserve water to ensure a consistent supply for all during this busy time. Water supplies are at critically low levels throughout the county. Learn more https://t.co/530b4aha9e
— Irish Water (@IrishWater) July 18, 2021
Tankers with drinking water have been located at Ballygarra Park and opposite the shop in Garristown Village for the duration of the disruption.
Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tankers and to boil the water before consumption as a precautionary measure.
There are also night-time water restrictions for homes in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford and Portlaoise, Co Laois due to supply concerns. Irish Water also warned that nighttime restrictions may be required in Co Kerry.
Irish Water said the night restrictions – running from 10pm to 6am – were required to ensure homes and businesses have sufficient water during daytime.
The night restrictions in Portlaoise will last for a week, while those in Enniscorthy are set to be lifted on Monday.
Tom Cuddy, Irish Water's head of asset operations, said while people were enjoying "well-deserved sun and staycations", the utility was asking the public to take note of their water usage and conserve where possible.
“Conserving water is something that we should be doing year-round, not just when supplies come under pressure due to drought conditions and seasonal increases in demand.
“As demand increases we are appealing to the public to redouble their efforts in conserving water in the home, in the garden, at work and on the farm, especially during the busy months of July and August.
“As rivers, lakes and groundwater levels reduce through the summer and autumn period, there is less water available for supply, while at the same time the warmer weather gives rise to increased water demands for domestic, agricultural and leisure uses.”
Irish Water said it is carefully monitoring its raw water sources from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources and that night-time restrictions and urgent appeals for conservation have been made in a number of locations. “While the public are being asked to conserve, there are currently no plans to implement a Water Conservation Order,” the utility said in a statement.
Simple water saving tips
Take a shorter shower – you could save up to 10 litres of water per minute.
Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home.
When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to six litres of water per minute.
Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden.
Avoid using paddling pools.
In the garden, use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots.
If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose.
Finally, report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278.