Sligo communities urged to conserve water as exceptionally high demand puts pressure on local supplies

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

Uisce Éireann is asking customers across County Sligo 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 Lough Easkey Water Supply Scheme especially in Easkey, Enniscrone, Dromore West, and surrounding areas 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.

Uisce Éireann’s James Melvin said: "Our teams are working around the clock to maintain water supplies across County Sligo and are currently producing very significant volumes of drinking water every day to meet demand. While every effort is being made to avoid additional measures, we may need to consider temporary overnight restrictions to help protect daytime supplies if demand remains exceptionally high. We are asking customers to help by reducing non-essential water use wherever possible. Small changes made by households, businesses, sporting clubs, community groups and visitors can collectively make a significant difference and help protect supplies for everyone.”

Customers can support water conservation efforts by avoiding unnecessary use of hoses and sprinklers, using a watering can instead of a hose, taking shorter showers, only running dishwashers, and washing machines when full, and checking homes and businesses for leaks.

A hosepipe can use as much water in one hour as a typical family uses in an entire day. By making small changes to daily routines, customers can help protect local water supplies while demand remains high.

Customers can find practical water-saving advice and access Uisce Éireann's Water Conservation Calculator on the Conservation section of our website.

Members of the public can also report leaks on the public water network 24 hours a day by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting our Report a Leak page.