Works underway to to minimise impact of Storm Eunice on water supplies nationwide

18 February 2022

Flooding and power outages may impact some supplies. Our crews have been mobilised around the country

Uisce Éireann is working as part of the National Emergency Committee (NEC) and in partnership with Local Authorities around the country to minimise the risk of supply interruptions to customers and to restart production of water at treatment plants impacted by Storm Eunice. Uisce Éireann’s priority is the provision of clean safe drinking water and the safety of our staff and the Local Authority staff who work to make that happen.

While there has been no impact on the majority of our plants the severe weather may impact on supplies in a number of locations due to heavy rainfall and high winds causing power outages at water treatment plants and pumping stations. To date the most impacted areas are in the South-West and South-East, particularly in counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford where a number of supplies are at risk due to storage levels locally running low with treatment plants offline. 

Our crews have been mobilised around the country to make the necessary repairs at plants and in the water network when it is safe to do so. We are also liaising closely with the ESB to prioritise the restoration of power to plants affected by electricity outages with backup generators in place at our plants to maintain supplies in several areas.

There are currently 46 water supplies at risk of supply interruption due to the storm, primarily in the South of the country. In most cases water is still in supply with Uisce Éireann aiming to restore production before any interruptions are experienced by customers.

Tom Cuddy, Uisce Éireann’s head of Operations, said: “Uisce Éireann has implemented its emergency response processes in advance of Storm Eunice and is working closely with the National Emergency Co-ordination Committee, Local Authorities and other partners to co-ordinate the national response and to ensure that the risk to service interruption as a result of the storm is minimised.

“We would like to assure our customers that we will be working as a matter of priority to restore any supplies should they be impacted by the storm as quickly as possible, once it is safe to do so.  The Uisce Éireann contact centre is available during 24/7 on 1800 278 278 to support our customers during this time. Customers are urged to report loss of service or visible leaks to assist Uisce Éireann to identify bursts.

“Live updates on outages are also available on Twitter @IWCare and on our website, where customers can enter their location to get relevant local information.”