Hose pipes and car washes are drought of order
As Meath blisters in record temperatures this week, Irish Water has appealed for supply conservation as the prolonged dry spell increases pressure on water supplies.
No water restrictions have been put in place in Meath for now but demand for water is increasing, while levels in rivers and lakes are falling.
With a prolonged dry spell being forecast by Met Éireann, in several areas around the country where water supplies were already under pressure, warm weather has exacerbated this situation.
“There is less water available to treat and supply to homes and businesses,” said a spokesperson for Irish water.
“This year has seen extended dry spells and Met Éireann has compared this to 1976 when drought conditions were experienced across the country.”
Irish Water’s Drought Management Team are monitoring water supplies and demand around the country on a daily basis.
Commenting on the ongoing situation, Irish Water’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Kate Gannon said, “If demand does not decrease we will start to see homes and businesses experience shortages. The longer this continues, the more people will be at risk of shortages and outages.”
“Irish Water’s Leakage Reduction Programme has teams are on the ground now but we also need the public’s support to reduce their water usage. The top three measures that people can take are not using a hose to water the garden or wash cars; keeping paddling pools very shallow if they are being used; and taking short showers rather than baths.”
“Our Drought Management Team are monitoring the situation daily across the country but if everyone can take these simple steps, it will help us to manage supply and demand. This is a very serious situation and we are seeking the public’s help. Every effort the public make to conserve water will benefit them and their community.”