Uisce Éireann has parts of the country on a hosepipe ban until late August
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Houses and businesses across West and North Cork are being urged to “use water wisely” as Uisce Éireann says demand for water continues to rise.
As the hot spell continues, the utility company have implemented emergency measures in parts of Cork, including naming 7 areas that need to be careful to protect local supplies.
Near Bantry, contingency tankering will continue to support water supplies in Nohoval, Derryginach and Cahernacin . In Clonakilty, tankering operations will remain in place to support customers in the Ardgehane and Reenascreena supply areas.
Meanwhile, in North Cork, contingency tankering to Freemount will continue, alongside ongoing tankering operations supporting Courtbrack and Dunmahon-Glanworth.
To help protect water supplies, overnight restrictions will be in place at:
Johnstown Reservoir on the Ballykenly/Johnstown Scheme (11 pm until 5.30 am)Dunmahon-Glanworth (11 pm until 5.30 am)Nohoval (10.30 pm until 7 am)The nighttime restrictions will allow treated water levels in the reservoirs to recover. A further assessment is scheduled for early next week.
The sustained warm weather has significantly increased water usage, Uisce Éireann said yesterday. This means treated water is being used faster than it can be produced and replenished in local reservoirs, placing additional pressure on the network.
Measures undertaken by Uisce Éireann include targeted contingency tankering operations to replenish treated water reservoirs and support areas experiencing increased demand.
Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager, said: “As warmer weather continues to increase demand for water, we are calling on customers to take simple steps to reduce their water use and help protect local supplies.
“Every drop counts. By cutting back on non-essential water use and making small changes at home, in businesses and in outdoor spaces, everyone can help ease pressure on the network and ensure a reliable water supply for their community.”
Meanwhile, parts of the country are under an official Water Conservation Order, commonly referred to as a hosepipe ban, including parts of counties Tipperary, Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow from today until August 26. It means no hosepipe use for gardens, paddling pools, cleaning cars, or power-washing the patio.
More areas may be added if the warm, dry spell continues to impact water supplies. A Status Yellow Heat warning with potential to bring drought has been extended by Met Éireann
Uisce Éireann/Irish Water says the ban will have to be backed up with enforcement, and the utility company has defended the setting up of a Hosepipe Hotline – dubbed the ‘Shop your Neighbour Line’ on social media. Anybody who wishes to report a breach of the ban can freephone Irish Water on 1800 278 278.
Earlier this week, Irish Water’s Margaret Attridge said it was there to help people who wanted to avoid talking directly to people not following the ban.
The Irish Water spokeswoman told Newstalk Breakfast: “We’re providing a hotline because we’re not asking people to confront people. We don’t want to cause any neighbourhood disputes here. People can contact us, and we will follow up with individuals.”