With Met Éireann issuing a yellow weather warning and advising of “unusually hot weather”, Irish Water has asked the public to be particularly mindful of water usage over the coming days.
As temperatures will soar, the water utility said it was important to take a few simple steps to conserve water and avoid having to resort to restrictions later in the season. summer.
Irish Water said that although the majority of water supplies are operating normally and there are no plans to introduce any restrictions at this time, the company expects to see an increase in demand for water over the course of the year. weeks, which could put pressure on some supplies.
Particularly at this time of year and with rising temperatures, popular resorts are expected to experience above average demand, and a number of rural areas have also started to come under pressure, particularly in the south and the Midlands.
Irish Water said it was already taking action to manage and protect supplies currently in parts of Cork and Tipperary, Carron in Clare and Inis Oirr in Galway.
Irish Water urges the public to follow a number of simple steps to reduce their water consumption in hot weather
Avoid pressure washing and keep the garden hose in the shed.
Check for leaks from outdoor faucets or water troughs, as these can cause significant losses of treated water.
Remember that paddling pools and swimming pools can use huge volumes of water, so try to minimize the amount of water used and consider reusing water for the garden or cleaning the car.
Report any visible leaks on the public network to Irish Water on water.ie.
Tom Cuddy, Head of Asset Operations at Irish Water, said that while we all enjoy the sun, it is important that we consider our water usage and look at simple but effective ways to conserve water. ‘water.
“It can sometimes be hard to know where to start, but even small changes can make a big difference, and we can all play our part,” Cuddy said.
Individuals can report any leaks into the public water system by contacting Irish Water 24/7 on 1800 278 278 or on water.ie.
Take a shorter shower.
Fix dripping faucets or leaky toilets in your home.
When you brush your teeth or shave, turn off the tap and save up to six liters of water per minute.
Minimize the amount of water used in wading pools.
If you must wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose.
Report any external leaks to Irish Water on 1800 278 278. No leaks can be repaired and each leak gets progressively worse. Escaping water can weaken the ground or make sidewalks and roads slippery. The water leak reduces the supply pressure for adjacent properties. What looks like a small leak on the surface can use the equivalent of 20-30 homes.
Save and reuse water collected in bathtubs, showers and sinks in the garden.
In the garden, use a rose-headed watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots.
Consider installing a rain catcher to collect rainwater – this can then be used to water the garden in dry weather.
Do your watering in the evening, when it does not evaporate.
Pots and containers need plenty of water to prevent drying out, so plant them directly in the ground as much as possible.
Another great tip is to add a layer of plant matter, like bark, to your flower bed to prevent evaporation and reduce the need for watering.
Fix water troughs – Beware of overflowing water troughs as they can waste significant amounts of water. Adjust ball valves to lower float or replace failed parts.
Dry cleaning: Save water when cleaning the yard by using dry cleaning techniques.
Plate Cooler Clean Water: If you own a dairy farm, you can divert clean water from the plate cooler to a tank and use it for parlor washing. lower courses.
Take steps to protect water sources: Avoid contamination of surface waters by reducing or eliminating livestock access by fencing watercourses. Pollution containing animal feces can affect the aquatic environment, nutrients and soil.
