Roscommon communities urged to conserve water due to high demand

Uisce Éireann is asking customers across County Roscommon 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 Boyle/Ardcarne Regional Water Supply Scheme, especially in Boyle, Ardcarne, Grangemore, Croghan, Cortober, Ballinameen, Ballymore, 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 Ger Greally said: "Our teams are working around the clock to maintain water supplies across County Roscommon 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 find practical water-saving advice and access Uisce Éireann's Water Conservation Calculator on www.water.ie/conservation.

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 six 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.

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact the company on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie.

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie