By Dan Walsh
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a Water Conservation Order — commonly known as a hosepipe ban — will come into effect across County Wexford from Saturday, July 26th until September 16th.
The Water Conservation Order has been issued in a bid to safeguard the water supply for essential purposes. These restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.
The implementation of this Order follows a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, now placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.
It is essential that a Water Conservation Order is introduced to reduce the potential of restrictions and outages over the coming weeks and months.
Rainfall in Wexford during May, June, and July this year to date has been significantly below average when compared to long-term rainfall records. A total of 130.8mm of rainfall was measured at the Johnstown Castle, weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years — just over 40% less rainfall recorded locally.
Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services. While it may often feel like Ireland receives plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Wexford have not had their usual seasonal recharge, and we are now heading into the height of summer with lower-than-average water levels.
“Although some rainfall is expected, it will not be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on the already low water levels,” said Ms. Callery, who added; “In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management.
“We will continue to monitor water consumption while the Order remains in place. Protecting our water supply is essential if we are to avoid more severe restrictions or supply interruptions in the weeks and months ahead.
“The key message is to leave the hose and pressure washer in the shed. We are calling on everyone to do their part so we can maintain a sustainable water supply throughout the summer,” Ms. Callery added.
The Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users, as well as commercial premises for non-commercial activities — such as watering gardens attached to a business premises.
Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie.
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