Hosepipe ban lifted following heavy rainfall
By Mary Dennehy
IRISH Water has today lifted the Water Conservation Order or hosepipe ban following heavy rainfall.
The hosepipe ban was put in place on June 9 and was due to run until July 21.
However, according to Irish Water, recent heavy rainfall and improving river and ground water conditions has led to a lifting of the hosepipe ban – from 5pm on Wednesday, July 8.
When the Water Conservation Order was issued, 27 of Irish Water’s 900 drinking water schemes were in drought with another 50 at risk of going into drought.
According to Irish Water, the situation deteriorated rapidly with the number of schemes in drought or at risk of drought peaking at 98.
However, in a statement issued today, Irish Water said: “Thankfully from a water supply perspective over the past couple of weeks there has been above average rainfall in many areas of the country.
“This has resulted in the recovery of some of the water supplies that were in drought or at risk of drought.
“Currently only 17 schemes remain in drought and a further 61 are at risk.
“While the overall numbers are trending downwards, the situation is not uniform across the country and the recovery of some sources is very fragile.”
Irish Water is continuing to monitor the affected water sources and will continue to liaise with Met Eireann, the OPW, the EPA an d other key stakeholders to discuss the impact of weather on our sources.”
Managing Director of Irish Water Niall Gleeson said: “Should we enter a spell of prolonged warm and dry weather, and if the sources go into drought again, we may need to reconsider and re-impose a Water Conservation Order.
“Safeguarding the water supply for homes and communities across the country is a critical priority for us.
“It is really important that members of the public develop good household habits at this time and conserve water, regardless of rainfall.
“Any non-essential use of water should be discouraged, whether we are in a drought or not.”
He added: “We would like to thank the public for their efforts in conserving water in their homes and gardens over the past number of weeks and to remember those good household habits should the good weather return.
“Thanks also to our large water users who have worked proactively with us to use water more efficiently in their businesses. We are grateful for their diligence at this time.”
For further details and conservation tips visit www.water.ie.
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