Uisce Éireann is urging customers in Limerick to conserve water

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

 As we enjoy this sunny spell of weather, Uisce Éireann is urging customers in areas of Limerick including Oola, Pallasgreen and Doon to take some simple steps to help conserve water and protect supplies. 

This long period of dry weather has resulted in critcally low reservoir levels. This, along with the increased demand for treated water that we typically see when there are prolonged periods of warm, dry weather has resulted in water supplies in these areas of Limerick struggling to keep up with the demand.  

As Uisce Éireann continues to closely monitor supplies, it is urging people to be mindful of water use at home, on farms and in businesses. Simple steps can make a big difference and alleviate the pressure on water supplies.

Eoin O’Connell, water operations manager has said: “We are seeing a very high demand in supplies in Oola, Pallasgreen, and Doon. Paired with the current dry weather we are experiencing in Ireland, this does not leave our reservoirs in a strong position to keep with this demand. We will continue to monitor the situation and take measures to manage supplies. However, we welcome any support the public can provide by doing what they can to reduce their water use.” 

Simple actions, such as taking a shorter shower, placing a basin in the sink and fixing leaking taps can all make a significant impact. Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator to help people find out how much water they are saving and what they can do to save even more. Check it out at water.ie/calculator 

This is also a good time for people to spot any underground leaks outside their home or business. Signs of such leaks may include persistent moisture in areas of the lawn or driveway, even during dry weather. Uisce Éireann’s first fix free scheme provides for a free leak repair on private property where such a leak is identified. For information on the scheme, along with lots of easy-to-follow water-saving tips, visit water.ie. To report leaks on the public network, or for more information, the Uisce Éireann helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1800 278 278. 

Key Tips to help you conserve water 

• Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes
• Don’t let the tap run: Brushing your teeth with the tap running can use up to a staggering 6 litres per minute. Brushing your teeth with the tap off will use a more modest 1 litre of water
• Shower vs. Bath: The average bath uses 80 litres of water compared to an average shower using 49 litres in seven minutes. Switch your bath to a shower for a massive water saving
• Less time: With the average shower using 7 litres of water per minute by turning your five-minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to 7 litres of water per day!
• Fully loaded: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machines are fully loaded. A modern washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water per cycle while a dishwasher uses 20 litres. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water, but you will also reduce your energy bills
• Don’t flush it all away: A third of all water used in the home is flushed down the toilet. Some larger cisterns can continue to work effectively with a smaller flush. Place a displacement device into the cistern (out of the way of moving parts) to save water 

Water Conservation Tips for Business  

• Conduct a water audit to see where savings can be made.  
• Appoint water stewards who will champion water conservation.  
• Invest in water efficient devices and appliances such as dual flush toilets, mixer taps and low flow showers.
• Raise awareness amongst customers and employees with water conservation notices & signage.