High demand for water in Donegal is continuing to put severe pressure on water supplies as warm weather continues.
Irish Water advises that, if this demand continues, it may lead to night time restrictions as their treatment plants are operating at maximum capacity.
As a result, both Irish Water and Donegal County Council are asking consumers to conserve water.
High water demand in Rathmullan, Carrigart/Downings and the Fanad areas and in Letterkenny is resulting in reduced levels in reservoirs. The same is the case in Clonmany, Carndonagh, Malin Town, Malin Head and Gleneely in Inishowen as well as across the Lough Mourne Water Supply Zone in east Donegal.
Irish Water’s Asset Operations Lead for Donegal, Kevin Love, said: “Our telemetry shows that water demand continues to increase. Areas that are currently experiencing additional water demand this week includes Rathmullan, Carrigart/Downings and the Fanad areas. This is in addition to the areas which were experiencing increased demand last week including Clonmany, Carndonagh, Malin Town, Malin Head and Gleenely. We want to ensure we can meet the demands on our water supplies as COVID-19 restrictions are relaxing and the hospitality sectors reopens for business. It is really important that everyone follows the HSE guidance on handwashing, however there are some ways to conserve water that will not impact on hygiene.”
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.
In order to improve the situation, owners of vacant and unused properties are being urged to turn off water to the property and to check for leaks around the building, especially around toilet cisterns.
There is advice and guidance for homes, businesses and farms, including information on how much water you can save with simple measures on water.ie/conservation.
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