Uisce Éireann Urges West Cork Customers to Conserve Water as Warm Weather Drives Demand

Uisce Éireann is asking customers across West Cork to conserve water as increased use during the current spell of warm weather means supplies are being used faster than water can be treated.

While raw water sources remain stable, the level of demand is placing pressure on the treatment process. Treated water is being used more quickly than it can be produced and stored in local reservoirs.

In response, Uisce Éireann is introducing targeted nighttime restrictions in Skibbereen and tankering measures in Bantry to protect daytime supply for homes and businesses.

Skibbereen

Nighttime restrictions take effect from tonight, Wednesday, 24 June, to allow the treated water at Lake Cross Water Treatment Plant to recover overnight. Customers in Skibbereen, Lake Cross, Union Hall, Squince, Myross, Castletownsend, Sandycove, Tragumna, Lough Hyne, Coom and surrounding areas may experience low pressure or a disruption to their water supply between 10.30pm each night and 7am the following morning.

Bantry

Tankering to treated reservoirs is in place from today as a contingency measure to support the Derryginach and Cahernacrin Schemes.

Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water levels closely in both areas and will adjust operations daily based on demand, usage and weather conditions. The nighttime restrictions in Skibbereen are due to be reviewed on Friday, 26 June.

Niall O'Riordan, Operations Manager, Uisce Éireann:

"When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water as is the case with both Skibbereen and Bantry. We are urging customers in West Cork to row in behind us and be mindful of their usage. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water."

How to Conserve Water

Simple steps at home, in the garden and at work can make a real difference in protecting supply during this time. In the garden, swap the hose or sprinkler for a rose-head watering can, aiming water at the roots and watering plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation. Installing a water butt to collect rainwater from gutters is useful for gardening or washing the yard, while opting for low-water plants such as lavender or olive trees reduces outdoor demand. Established plants and lawns often do not need watering unless there is a drought. Adding bark or plant material to flower beds helps to prevent evaporation, and gel beads in pots keep roots hydrated.

Indoors, taking short showers instead of a bath saves significant amounts; reducing shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute, while a typical bath uses 80 litres. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to six litres a minute, and keeping a jug of water in the fridge for drinks also helps. Only running the washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full load reduces water use, and fixing dripping taps can prevent considerable waste; a single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water per year. Using a basin in the sink when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes means that water can be reused on plants. When washing the car, avoid the hose and use a bucket and sponge instead.

Full advice on water conservation is available at www.water.ie/conservation.

Any leaks in the public water network can be reported by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at www.water.ie. Customers can also contact the team on X at @IWCare. Uisce Éireann's customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Customers can sign up for the free text alert service, providing real-time updates for local issues by Eircode, at www.water.ie.