Water shortages a risk due to staycation surge, Irish Water says

A rise in staycationing this summer is set to put greater pressure on water supplies, according to Irish Water, which has warned of the risk of possible shortages.

The utility said it is expecting a surge in demand over coming months and is asking all water users to conserve supply.

With a population of about 4.9 million – 3.7 million of whom are adults – spending just one minute less in the shower could save tens of millions of litres a day.

As the summer holiday season gets under way in earnest, Irish Water is predicting an increase in domestic and commercial demand and customers are asked to take some simple measures to conserve water in their homes, their businesses and on their farms.

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Small changes the utility suggests include:
– Take a shorter shower and save up to 10 litres of water per minute
– Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
– When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
– Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden
– Avoid using paddling pools
– In the garden, use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
– If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
– Report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278

Conservation

Tom Cuddy, Irish Water’s head of asset operations, said the utility was working with local authorities “to ensure everyone enjoys a reliable water supply during the busy summer period and beyond.”

However, he said a big part of ensuring that water supplies were reliable involved conservation by users.

“Conserving water is something that we should be doing year round, not just when supplies come under pressure due to drought conditions and seasonal increases in demand,” he said.

“As demand increases, we are appealing to the public to redouble their efforts in conserving water in the home, in the garden, at work and on the farm, especially during the busy months of July and August, when staycations will be at a peak and demand is expected to soar.”

Irish Water said this was particularly important in tourist hotspots, where large influxes of visitors are expected.

“As rivers, lakes and groundwater levels reduce through the summer and autumn period, there is less water available for supply, while at the same time the warmer weather gives rise to increased water demands for domestic, agricultural and leisure uses,” he said.

Night-time restrictions have already been used in a small number of places to ensure a consistent daytime supply. However, the utility said there are as yet no plans to implement a water conservation order.

Tips on water conservation are available on water.ie.