Residents are discouraged from opening fire hydrants
By Mary Dennehy
ON THE same day that Irish Water warned Dubliners about water usage and conservation, a street in Tallaght was flooded after a number of fire hydrants were opened.
On Tuesday night, a crew from Tallaght Fire Station had to close a number of open fire hydrants in a Tallaght estate, which had flooded the road.
Dublin Fire Brigade at the hydrant
According to Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB), opening fire hydrants is illegal, reduces water pressure for the surrounding areas and is a waste of natural resources.
DFB added that fire hydrant pits can hide nasty surprises that residents would not like floating down their road - and have asked communities to discourage people from opening hydrants.
Earlier on Tuesday, Irish Water warned Dubliners that restrictions would be “unavoidable” after the demand levels for water in the region rose again on Monday night.
According to Irish Water its Drought Management Team is meeting daily and is monitoring water supplies and demand.
In the Greater Dublin Area, where Irish Water can produce 610 million litres of water per day, demand has risen to ‘concerning levels’.
In the summer of 2017, an average of 565 mega litres of water per day was used.
However, last Friday in the Greater Dublin Area 602 million litres of water were used but overnight on Monday (June 25) the levels were at 609 mega litres – which leaves almost no margin of supply over demand.
Very serious situation
According to Kate Gannon, Irish Water’s Corporate Affairs Manager: “This is a very serious situation and we are seeking the public’s help.
“Every effort the public make to conserve water will help to minimise risk of supply loss to them and their community.”
Irish Water have asked people to adopt these top three measures to conserve water, don’t use a hose to water the garden or wash cars, keep paddling pools very shallow if they are being used and take short showers rather than baths.
Irish Water also reiterated DFB’s message on fire hydrants, reminding people on Twitter that fire hydrants are also critical to saving lives.
Visit water.ie or follow @IrishWater on Twitter for updates.
