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Appeal to Mayo public to reduce water usage

23 July 2021

Demand for drinking water has increased very significantly in many supplies

With a high-temperature weather advisory issued across the country, Uisce Éireann is continuing to urge the public to conserve water to ensure a consistent supply for all during this busy time. Demand for drinking water has increased very significantly in many supplies across Mayo. At the same time, due to the dry weather and high temperatures, water source levels are dropping. Uisce Éireann, together with Mayo County Council, is working hard to maintain supplies.   

Gerard Greally, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Lead for Mayo said: “The current extra demand, combined with reduced capacity, is not sustainable across Mayo. We are appealing to everyone to be mindful of this and reduce water consumption as much as possible.

“The households, farms and businesses served by public water supplies across Mayo County are asked to reduce water usage as much as possible. Particular areas under the most pressure at present include Ballina Town and surrounding areas, Lankill, Aughagower and Kiltimagh. Night-time water restrictions may be necessary over the coming days to maintain daily requirements.

“Everyone can contribute and the combination of effort will greatly help our ability to provide a continuous water supply to all. There is guidance and tips for conserving water available on www.water.ie/conservation.”

Small changes can have a significant impact, for example:

  • Take a shorter shower and save up to 10 litres of water per minute       
  • Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
  • When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
  • Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden
  • Avoid using paddling pools
  • In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
  • If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
  • Report any leaks to Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann is continuing to see significant levels of domestic and commercial demand for water as temperatures remain high and the public are asked to take some simple measures to conserve water in their homes, businesses and on farms. Uisce Éireann has been carefully monitoring all of its raw water sources, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed our water treatment plants.  As rivers, lakes and groundwater levels reduce through the summer and autumn period, there is less water available for supply, while at the same time the warmer weather gives rise to increased water demands for domestic, agricultural and leisure uses.

With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public are reminded to adhere to public health and HSE advice, and handwashing and hygiene remain critically important.

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services. With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public are reminded to adhere to public health and HSE advice, and handwashing and hygiene remain critically important. Further water conservation information is available on our Conservation section.