The current dry spell has prompted a public water conservation alert in Co Donegal as drought reduces water levels in rivers, lakes and boreholes.
People in all parts of Donegal, particularly those on the Letterkenny, Lettermacaward and Lough Mourne Water Supplies are being asked to conserve water in every way possible to ensure a continuous supply for all.
Irish Water says all Water Treatment Plants are operating at full capacity and decreasing reservoir levels are giving major cause for concern.
As well as reducing consumption, the company is appealing to the public to report leaks on the public water network to 1850 278 278 and to repair private side leaks in both homes and in businesses.
With people adhering to government advice and staying at home since mid-March in response to the Covid-19 crisis, Irish Water has confirmed that there has been a significant increase in household water usage.
New domestic metering data has revealed that households are using an additional 24 litres of water per person per day, a 20% increase from February.
As many water treatment plants are already working to their maximum capacity, Irish Water is appealing to the public to prioritise handwashing over power washing and conserve water now where they can, so that together we can meet the increased demands on our network when restrictions are relaxed for businesses.
There are some simple measures that the public can take including stopping the use of power washers at home; using a watering can rather than a hose in the garden; taking showers over baths; and fixing any dripping taps where it is possible to do so.
Irish Water’s Asset Operations Lead for Donegal, Kevin Love, said: “We are monitoring a number of water supplies in Co. Donegal that have reduced raw water source levels as a result of the prolonged dry period with particular focus on Letterkenny, Lettermacward and Lough Mourne. At this time we are urging consumers on all water supplies to be mindful of their use at this time due to decreasing reservoir levels to minimise any short term measures or restrictions and to ensure there is water available for all customers on all parts of our supply network.”
