Hosepipe ban comes into effect
By Mark Keane
A water conservation order has come into effect in the Greater Dublin area today, Monday, with Irish Water considering legal options as a “last resort” to protect water supplies.
In a statement released, Irish Water is asking the public “to continue to conserve water as the demand for water remains too high” and “to report leaks on the public water network”.
Currently, demand for water is outstripping supplies, with Irish Water stressing the importance of avoiding “unnecessary use of water”.
The water conservation order in the Greater Dublin area, which will run from today until July 31, will prohibit the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning vehicles, filling or maintaining paddling pools and a number of other uses.
According to Irish Water: “We now have 39 water supplies under night-time water restrictions and over 100 water supplies at risk due to high consumption.”
Enforcement notices
Irish Water has also increased the number of call centre agents who will follow up on any reports from the public, as well as offering technical advice when needed.
Its Drought Management Team is meeting daily to monitor water supplies and demand, however, the Water Conservation Order may be extended after July 31.
Despite the growing demand for water, Irish Water said it is expecting people to adhere to the conservation order and is anticipating that there will be “very few prosecutions”.
However, those in breach of the ban could face a fine of €125.
Regulatory powers
According to Irish Water, “regulatory powers” are available for addressing owners who do not respond or engage with them regarding chronic leaks.
The statement highlighted the importance of conserving water now as it will help “secure our needs over the coming months”.
Commenting on the ongoing situation, Irish Water’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Kate Gannon said: “We have a serious challenge to ensure clean safe drinking water for everyone, given the current state of our network and the impact that sustained warm weather has had on water supplies.
“We are asking the public to continue to conserve water in the months ahead and to follow our advice for longer term water conservation.”
