The season of intermittent showers is nearly over with nary a cloud in sight, and the likelihood of parched lawns and fallowed fields are looming in Ireland.
Irish Water has issued remarkably bleak warnings about the nation’s summer water supplies, telling homeowners, farmers and others to gear up for potential shortages.
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.
Co. Fingal, which lies to the north of Co. Dublin, 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.
Water restrictions have been introduced in places across the country as temperatures soar to Mediterranean levels.Irish Water has appealed to the public to conserve water to ensure a consistent supply in the current dry spell.
Irish Water said, “While the public are being asked to conserve, there are currently no plans to implement a Water Conservation Order.
Night restrictions and “urgent appeals” for water conservation have been put in place for Laois, Kerry, Wexford, Dublin, Meath and Donegal to ensure a consistent day time supply.
In Dublin, some areas may be impacted by low water pressure or outages until 10 a.m. Wednesday. These areas include Garristown, Ballymadun, Tobergregan, Baldwinstown, Palmerstown and surrounding areas.
Tips To Conserve Water
Some of the recommended ways to conserve water include
- Taking shorter showers and save up to 10 litres of water per minute
- Avoid using paddling pools
- Use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose to wash car
- Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
- When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
- Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers and hand basins in the garden
- In the garden, use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
- Report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278.