"Every drop counts" - Laois placed under water restrictions
Uisce Éireann has extended the order across Ireland until late August
Uisce Éireann has confirmed it will be extending a nationwide water conservation order, including in Laois, which will last for one month.
The order will come into effect from midnight on Friday, July 24 until Wednesday, August 26.
Uisce Éireann said the nationwide extension is being introduced to help protect public water supplies now and in the months ahead for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.
The recent hot weather, which is predicted to continue, combined with low rainfall, is driving exceptionally high demand and intensifying pressure on water sources and treated drinking water supplies.
This order comes as many parts of Laois are currently faced with water supply issues.
A reservoir interruption is causing water supply issues in Ballylinan, Ballyadams and the surrounding areas since Tuesday, July 21. Works here are scheduled to take place until 10 am on Friday, July 24.
The water utility has also put in place overnight restrictions for customers in Laois supplied by the Ballyadams Reservoir which is part of the Kyle Water Scheme in order to safeguard daytime supply.
These restrictions have been put in place since Tuesday night and will remain in place each evening until further notice. Uisce Éireann said the restrictions are necessary due to demand outstripping supply at the reservoir.
Uisce Éireann said they are continuing to take all measures to keep water flowing by maximising production, repairing leaks, tankering water and operating the network to minimise outages and protect supplies.
James Joyce, Water Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann, issued an appeal to local people.
“We are asking everyone across Laois to use only what they need and to avoid any non-essential water use until conditions improve. Early indications show that water usage in Co Laois is beginning to decrease, demonstrating the positive impact of ongoing water conservation efforts by customers.
“I want to thank everyone who has taken steps to conserve water. This is making a difference, but pressures remain high and we are now asking people across the country to continue reducing non-essential use.
“Every drop counts. Continued support from the public will help reduce pressure on supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs,” he said.
The nationwide order will apply to all households and is being extended because raw water sources in many areas around the country are coming under increasing pressure following a prolonged period of exceptionally hot and dry weather.
Met Éireann’s extended range forecast indicates that temperatures are expected to remain above average and rainfall below average in the period ahead.
Uisce Éireann said several groundwater sources are now showing signs of stress, with reduced or no yields being experienced in a number of areas.
They hope that by extending the water conservation order nationwide, it will support a reduction in non-essential use, ease pressure on water sources and safeguard supplies for essential purposes.
The order means that the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning cars, filling and maintaining swimming pools or ornamental fountains will be prohibited.
Uisce Éireann has asked customers to take practical steps to conserve water at home, including taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, and avoiding the use of hosepipes or sprinklers in the garden.