Urgent appeal to use water responsibly

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers in County Wexford 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.

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. 

In Wexford, water supplies serving Gorey, Castlebridge, Curracloe, Wexford Town and South Wexford continue to be closely monitored, with water sources remaining under pressure. Uisce Eireann also continues to supplement the network through tankering operations to help maintain water supply for customers in Bunclody, Askamore and Kilmuckridge. 

While customer conservation efforts have helped reduce demand, water sources remain under pressure and every effort to conserve water remains important. 

Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers, and essential services. Customers are being asked to continue avoiding non-essential water use and to play their part in protecting supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, said: “We would like to thank customers across Wexford 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,” she added. 

The Water Conservation Order is in place until 26 August and is reviewed on an ongoing basis considering weather conditions, soil moisture deficits, and the status of water supplies.