Communities urged to conserve water as nighttime restrictions continue in parts of Kerry this weekend

Uisce Éireann is asking customers in Kerry 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. Periods of sustained high demand can lead to reduced pressure and, in some cases, interruptions to the availability of water for customers. As a result of high demand, Uisce Éireann has introduced targeted nighttime restrictions to protect daytime supply for homes and businesses. 

Overnight restrictions are in place across the following supply areas to help protect daytime water supplies: Knockavota Water Treatment Plant in Milltown. Additional overnight measures may affect customers supplied by the Caragh Lake, Tousist and Lauragh Water Treatment Plants, including parts of Glannagilliagh, Muingaphuca, Rangue, Tullig Beg and Tooreennasliggaun.

In Mid Kerry, overnight restrictions are in place at Barleymount Reservoir. Customers in Faha, Lahard, Two Mile School, Ballyhar, Aglish, Holycross, Kilnanare, and parts of Aghadoe and Fossa may experience lower water pressure or temporary interruptions to supply while these measures are in operation. 

In Duagh and Lyracrumpane, overnight restrictions will also be in place to protect daytime supply.

The essential overnight restrictions apply from 9pm until 6am across all referenced supplies and will remain in place pending a further operational assessment on Monday, 20 July. 

Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water levels closely in Kerry and adjust operations daily based on demand, usage, and weather conditions. A further operational assessment is scheduled for mid-week.

Eoin O’Connell, Operations Manager, Uisce Éireann urged the community in Kerry to support the conservation measures.

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Simple steps taken at home, in the garden and at work can make a real difference in protecting supply during this time.

More information on water conservation can be found on our conservation section.   
 
 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.