Overnight water restrictions needed in the Newmarket area

Due to extremely low levels in the key reservoirs on the Ballinatona Water Supply Scheme at Meelin, Barracurra, Taur and Kilbrin, night time restrictions will be implemented in an attempt to restore reservoir levels and maintain daily water supply to customers. 

The restrictions on the Ballinatona scheme are required to give the reservoir time to replenish and is necessary during this off-peak time, as there is a possibility that there would be insufficient water supply to homes and businesses during daytime hours without some measures being put in place.

The restrictions will be implemented this evening until 7am tomorrow, 11 August, at Priory Park, Lismire and Killowen areas initially, however, they may have to be extended as the system comes under more pressure due to current warm spell, higher demand and lower than normal rainfall levels.

The vast majority of Uisce Éireann's 750 water treatment plants continue to meet the demand for water supply. Uisce Éireann would like to thank members of the public for their responsible use of water and is asking everybody to continue to take some simple steps to conserve water to ensure supplies are healthy into late Summer and Autumn.

Uisce Éireann and Cork County Council are closely monitoring water levels in a number of areas in the county and taking remedial measures to maintain normal supplies, however, the public is still being asked to assist by taking some simple steps to reduce their water use.

Pat Britton of Uisce Éireann, said, "Uisce Éireann understands the inconvenience the restrictions will cause on the people in the Newmarket area, but it is necessary to maintain reservoir levels and ensure a sufficient water supply to homes and businesses during normal working hours.

"We would ask the public to continue to conserve water over the coming weeks. It can sometimes be difficult to know where to start, but even small changes can make a significant difference - and we can all play our part. By reducing the water used, for example turning off the hose and avoiding power washing, we can all help ensure there is enough water for everyone as we go through the rest of the Summer and into Autumn.

"To help people learn more about saving water we have developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator so they can work out how much water they are currently saving and how they can conserve even more. The free calculator is available on the Uisce Éireann website at www.water.ie/calculator where you can also find lots of useful water saving tips. 

"We will continue to monitor the levels at all our supplies over the coming weeks and months and take any actions that may be necessary to maintain supplies, including communicating about localised issues as they arise." 

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network or by contacting Uisce Éireann 24/7 at 1800 278 278.

There are a number of easy steps to reduce water usage during the hot weather, including:

• Avoid power washing and keep the garden hose in the shed
• Check for leaks on outdoor taps or troughs as these can lead to large losses of treated water
• Remember that paddling pools and swimming pools can use huge volumes of water so consider reusing the water for the garden or cleaning the car.
• Report any visible leaks on the public network to Uisce Éireann or call 1800 278 278. 
• Where householders experience very low flow or pressure, lower than neighbouring properties, they may have a service pipe leak. Uisce Éireann's First-Fix-Free Scheme can help with the location and repair of external leaks.