Water supplies in parts of West Roscommon under increasing pressure

Water supplies in parts of West Roscommon are coming under increasing pressure due to the continued dry weather, according to Uisce Éireann.

In a statement this afternoon the company said that the Ballinlough/Cloonfad Water Supply Scheme and associated group water schemes “are being closely monitored” by the company.

Uisce Éireann is now appealing to customers in this area and throughout County Roscommon to “continue using water responsibly” as warm and dry conditions persist.

“A Water Conservation Order remains in place for the entire country to help protect public drinking water supplies following a prolonged period of exceptionally warm and dry weather, combined with high demand for water across the country. We would like to thank the public for their efforts to conserve water which have helped to reduce demand in many areas. With the ongoing dry weather several water sources remain under pressure however,” said a spokesperson for the company.

The appeal comes as Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow high temperature warning for parts of the country, with higher temperatures expected to increase demand for water in the days ahead. While customer conservation efforts have helped reduce demand, water sources remain under pressure and every effort to conserve water remains important, the company stressed.

Margaret Attridge, head of water operations with Uisce Éireann thanked customers for the support they have shown since the Water Conservation Order was introduced. “We have seen demand reduce in many areas and those efforts are helping to protect water supplies.

"However, many of our water sources remain under pressure following an extended period of warm and dry weather and it will take time for those sources to recover. With warm conditions expected to continue and temperatures set to rise again in parts of the country, we are asking everyone to continue doing what they can to conserve water.

"Simple actions such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaking taps and toilets, fully loading dishwashers and washing machines, and using a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler can all make a meaningful difference. Every drop counts," said Ms Attridge.

The Water Conservation Order is in place until August 26th.