An appeal to customers throughout Galway to turn off taps and check for leaks

20 December 2022

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section.

Following the freezing weather last week and the subsequent thaw, Uisce Éireann is asking customers throughout Galway County to check for leaks and help maintain the supply.

 

In recent days Uisce Éireann has seen a noticeable increase in water usage on the network. To facilitate the replenishment of reservoirs and ensure a daytime supply, overnight restrictions are required on several schemes including Mid Galway, Portumna, Gort, Rosmuc, Teeranea, Carna and Carraroe from 11pm to 8am until further notice. 

 

Customers on high ground may experience loss of pressure or loss of supply during these hours.

 

Operations Lead with Uisce Éireann, Eoin Hughes, assured customers that crews are working to restore full supply to all customers and asked the public to continue their efforts to conserve water and check for leaks. 

 

“While our raw water reservoirs and sources are full at this time of year, demand for water has increased and is putting pressure on the supply of treated water in our storage reservoirs. Uisce Éireann crews are on the ground, working in partnership with Galway County Council, to maintain supply and we are asking customers to turn off taps and check for leaks.”

 

The sub-zero temperatures of last week increased the number of burst pipes, causing increased demand on water supplies across the county. Freezing water expands and strains the pipes until they crack or burst, not only impacting older, weakened pipes but also modern pipes that are laid in shallow ground and vulnerable to temperature drops.

 

Eoin appealed to customers to do their bit to help avoid expensive repairs and a disrupted water supply at home or in their business by taking a few easy, preventative measures.

 

It is essential to continue the regular maintenance of your property and check premises for leaks. It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your own internal water system and particularly how to turn off your supply at the stopcock so that you can protect your property in the event of a burst pipe. 

 

Customer can report leaks on the public network on our website www.water.ie or by calling our customer team on 1800 278 278. 

 

The Uisce Éireann Customer Care Team is also available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and there is lots of advice on being winter ready on Twitter @IrishWater.