Overnight water restrictions required in Glenamaddy

Uisce Éireann is continuing to see high levels of domestic, commercial and agricultural demand for treated drinking water on the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply in County Galway, as dry warm weather returns and is likely to continue into next week. We are appealing to the public in Glenamaddy town and surrounding areas to conserve water in their homes, businesses and on farms. Uisce Éireann has been working closely with Galway County Council to maximise the amount of treated drinking water available to all customers. Our caretakers and plant operators have been taking every measure to ensure that supply can keep up with demand.

Peak daytime demand

To ensure we can meet our peak daytime demand, overnight restrictions will be required this weekend on both Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 of August, from 10pm to 8am. During these times, customers in Glenamaddy town and surrounding areas may experience temporary disruptions to their supply such as discoloured water, low water pressure and water outages. Once water supplies are switched back on, normal water supply will begin to be restored. Full water supply may take 2-3 hours to return as water refills the network, but it is important to continue to follow the HSE guidance on hand-washing.

Conserve water

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council are appealing to residents, farmers, agricultural contractors, businesses and visitors to Glenamaddy town and surrounding areas to conserve water wherever possible to ensure a consistent supply for everyone. We are asking customers on the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply to only use water for essential use. 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.

Everyone can contribute and the combination of effort will greatly help our ability to provide a water supply to all. There is guidance and tips for conserving water available on www.water.ie/conservation.

Small changes can have a significant impact, for example:

• 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 Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.

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.

Collaboration

Uisce Éireann continues to work at this time with our local authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of drinking water and wastewater services.

Updates relevant to you

Customers in Galway can now avail of quick access to relevant information on their water supply, including restrictions, based on where they live. Customers are advised to set their location on the website at www.water.ie and check daily for updates in relation to their local water supply. Uisce Éireann also posts regular supply updates on our customer care Twitter channel, @IWCare, using #IWGalway.