County's hosepipe ban to be lifted
The hosepipe ban for County Roscommon will be lifted at midnight on Wednesday.
This follows an improvement in the availability of water for supply, and increased rainfall, Uisce Éireann has said.
Figures show that water treatment plant production in the county has decreased by 8.5% from its highest peak demand this summer.
The nationwide Water Conservation Order currently in place across the country is due to expire in a number of counties, including those in the North West, at 23:59 on Wednesday, August 26th. It was introduced on July 24th following a prolonged period of hot, dry weather, high water usage, and increased pressure on public water supplies.
"The decision reflects the positive impact of public water conservation efforts and improved conditions in many areas. However, some public supplies, including Boyle in County Roscommon, remain under pressure and customers in that area are asked to be mindful of their water usage," the utility company said.
The order will also be lifted in Counties Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Sligo, and Westmeath, from midnight on August 26th.
In parts of the east and south of the country, water sources and public water supplies remain under pressure and require continued protection.
Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water sources, demand and the availability of water for distribution. We are also encouraging customers to continue their efforts to conserve water and report leaks even in areas where the order is being lifted.
Mairead Conlon, Asset Strategy Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, thanked the public for the positive way they have responded to the Water Conservation Order.
“We have received great support from the public for our water conservation appeal, which has seen demand reduce significantly in many areas. The collective efforts of communities to reduce unnecessary water use have made a real difference in protecting our essential supplies.
“The improvement in conditions means we can now lift the Order across many counties. That is a positive outcome and reflects the real difference people and businesses have made by reducing unnecessary water use.
“We are asking customers in these areas to continue to use water wisely. Simple steps such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose can help protect supplies.”
Uisce Éireann is continuing to take operational measures to protect supplies, including maximising water production, repairing leaks, moving water by tanker where necessary and managing the network to reduce the risk of outages.
The public can help by reporting visible leaks on the public water network to Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or through water.ie. Additional water conservation advice is available at water.ie/conservation.
