An appeal to customers in South Leitrim to conserve water as demand for treated water rises

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

Uisce Éireann is asking customers across South Leitrim to conserve water as increased use during the current spell of warm weather means supplies are being used faster than water can be treated.

While raw water sources remain stable, the level of demand is placing pressure on the treatment process. This means treated water is being used more quickly than it can be produced and stored in local reservoirs.

Customers supplied by the South Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme are being encouraged to reduce usage where possible to allow treated water reservoirs time to recover. This will help maintain a consistent supply for homes and businesses across the county.

Periods of sustained high demand can lead to reduced pressure and, in some cases, interruptions to the availability of water for customers. Simple steps taken at home, in the garden and at work can collectively make a real difference in protecting supply.

Speaking about the need to conserve water, Uisce Éireann’s Kevin Love explained that water use typically increases during warm spells due to higher demand for water due to home maintenance, gardening, leisure activities, agriculture, and tourism.

“There has been a noticeable increase in water use across Carrick-on-Shannon, Ballinamore, Keshkerrigan, Drumshanbo, Mohill, Carrigallen, Dromod, Roosky, and surrounding areas over the past week during this spell of good weather. While our raw water sources are stable, demand is currently higher than the system can treat and supply. Our teams have been out repairing leaks in Effrinagh, Lisdrumfarna, Drumcree, Ballinaboy, Drumkeilvy, Annaghmacullen and Oghill areas in recent days, and these bursts have also impacted on supply.  

“We are asking customers to reduce their usage to give treated water reservoirs time to replenish. Even small changes, when taken across communities, can have a significant impact in maintaining supply for everyone. We would also ask farmers to be vigilant on their farms and to fix any leaking knocked over troughs so we can maintain consistent supply for all. A broken service connection can lose up to 20,000 litres in one day if left unattended. This is the equivalent to one day’s supply for 150 people.”

More information on water conservation can be found at the Conservation section of our website.

Tips to Conserve Water

• Drop the hose: Use a rose-head watering can over a hose or sprinkler. Aim for the roots. Water plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation. 
• Take short showers instead of a bath: Reducing your shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute. A typical bath uses 80 litres 
• Turn off the tap: Not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to 6 litres a minute. Keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinks. 
• Fill up your appliances: Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full load 
• Fix dripping taps: A single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year 
• Use a basin in the sink: Use a basin when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plants 
• Clean the car with a sponge: When washing your car, avoid the hose and use a bucket and sponge instead. 
• Install a water butt: Use it to collect rainwater from your gutters for gardening or washing the yard 
• Pick plants wisely: Opt for low-water plants like lavender or olive trees. Established plants and lawns often don't need watering unless there's a drought 
• Lock in moisture: Add bark or plant material to flower beds to prevent evaporation or use gel beads in pots to keep roots hydrated. 

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at Report a Leak. 

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of our website.

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the Text Alerts page.