Water shortages & restrictions
Why water shortages occur and what happens when there are restrictions in place for Ireland.
Why Ireland experiences water shortages
Water is vital which makes scarcity a real threat. A short spell of dry weather does not cause water shortages. However, we do need regular rainfall throughout the year to build up our water supplies. Here are a few reasons why water shortages happen.
Ways to save
The average person in Ireland uses about 133 litres of water a day. We can all do our part by making small changes to our daily routines.
Fix dripping taps
A leaking tap wastes between 400 and 2,600 litres per month!
Take a shower instead
Taking a shorter shower can save up to 10 litres of water a minute.
Fill your water in a jug
Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the cold tap.
Keep your home warm
Leave heating on for longer periods at lower settings. It allows warm air to circulate.
Don't use the hose
Use a rosehead watering can in the garden instead of a hose or sprinkler.
Put on a full load
Run your washing machine and dishwasher with full loads, so you run it less often.
Get a free leak repair
Apply for a free leak investigation with the First Fix Free scheme. It's vital to reduce the amount of treated water we lose through leaks. If you think you have a leak, you may be eligible for a free repair
Tackling low water supplies
We're always monitoring water supplies nationwide. Water conservation orders or hosepipe bans are only introduced if absolutely necessary. Restrictions focus water use on essential needs while supplies are low. How do we address low water supplies during restrictions?