Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the current Water Conservation Order will be lifted for County Galway following an improvement in the availability of water for supply, and increased rainfall.
The nationwide Water Conservation Order currently in place is due to expire at 23.59pm on Wednesday, August 26. It was introduced on July 24 following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, high water use and increasing pressure on public water supplies.
The decision reflects the positive impact of public water conservation efforts and improved conditions in many areas. In parts of the east and south, however, water sources and public water supplies remain under pressure and require continued protection.
While the order is being lifted, nighttime restrictions remain in effect for some supplies in County Galway to protect daytime supply. These supplies include Inis Mór, Inis Oírr, Kinvara, Ballygar and Ballymoe.
Uisce Éireann has said its operational teams continue to monitor these supplies closely and will lift the nighttime restrictions as soon as possible.
Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water sources, demand and the availability of water for distribution. The organisation is also encouraging people to continue their efforts to conserve water and report leaks, even in areas where the order is being lifted.
Mairead Conlon, asset strategy senior manager with Uisce Éireann, thanked the public for the positive way they have responded to the Water Conservation Order.
“We have received great support from the public for our water conservation appeal, which has seen demand reduce significantly in many areas,” she said. “The collective efforts of communities to reduce unnecessary water use have made a real difference in protecting our essential supplies.?
“The improvement in conditions means we can now lift the order across many counties. That is a positive outcome and reflects the real difference people and businesses have made by reducing unnecessary water use.
“We are asking customers in these areas to continue to use water wisely. Simple steps such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose can help protect supplies.”
Uisce Éireann is continuing to take operational measures to protect supplies, including maximising water production, repairing leaks, moving water by tanker where necessary and managing the network to reduce the risk of outages.
People can help by reporting visible leaks on the public water network to Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or through water.ie.
Additional water conservation advice is available at water.ie/conservation.
