Work on-going to restore water supplies to 30,000 customers in Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Dublin
Supplies to a further 27,000 people in these counties as well as Wexford and Laois are at risk due to low reservoir levels
Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section
Uisce Éireann is working to restore water to approximately 30,000 people in Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Dublin where supplies are impacted by either bursts on the network or electrical outages at treatment plants or pumping stations. That’s down from 43,000 at lunchtime.
Supplies to a further 27,000 people in these counties as well as Wexford and Laois are at risk due to low reservoir levels, with freezing conditions likely to cause ongoing impacts on water supplies over the coming week.
Large machinery such as tractors are being used to take Uisce Éireann crews in Tipperary and Kerry to water treatment plants and pumping stations where the terrain is difficult and snow is too deep for 4x4 vehicles.
Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge said, “Water expands by nearly 10% as it freezes and turns into ice, which stops the flow of water through pipes. This can cause even new pipes to split. We are urging people to protect outside taps and to insulate exposed pipes and tanks which are particularly vulnerable to freezing. We are asking people to check for leaks and to turn off water to exterior pipes or unoccupied premises. Alternatively, people may consider setting the heating for these areas to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.”
Margaret added, “Small efforts by everyone can make a big difference. With the freezing conditions set to continue for the rest of the week, we would appeal to people to only use what water they need and never to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on local water supply.”
People can find helpful advice on how to prevent leaks, conserve water, and making the most of heating systems during the colder months on the Uisce Éireann page Winterproofing page.
Uisce Éireann is encouraging people to report any leaks or bursts on the public water networks to our Customer Care Team on 1800 278 278.
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann is working to restore water supplies to approximately 40,000 people in Cork, Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary. Supplies to a further 30,000 people are at risk due to low reservoir levels.
Our crews alongside ESB and Local Authority teams are working in difficult freezing conditions to return water supplies to those affected by bursts on the network and electricity outages.
Uisce Éireann is asking people to do their bit to help keep taps flowing. Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge said, “We are urging households, businesses and farmers to protect outside taps and to insulate exposed pipes and tanks which are particularly vulnerable to freezing. We are asking people to check for leaks and to turn off water to exterior pipes or unoccupied premises. Alternatively, people may consider setting the heating for these areas to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.”
Margaret added, “Small efforts by everyone can make a big difference, we would ask people to only use what they need and not to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on local water supply.”
Uisce Éireann is encouraging people to report any leaks or bursts on the public water networks to our Customer Care Team on 1800 278 278.
Uisce Éireann is reiterating its appeal for households and businesses to conserve water as crews work to restore supplies to approximately 15,000 people in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Tipperary.
Water for a further 33,000 customers in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kerry and Wexford is also at risk because of high demand and bursts on the network.
Freezing weather conditions, coupled with rain or snow, is impacting efforts and leading to delays in repairing leaks.
Uisce Éireann is asking people to do their bit to help keep taps. Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge said, “Our crews are continuing to work to maintain and restore supplies. We are urging households, businesses and farmers to protect outside taps and farm troughs and to check for leaks and to turn off water to exterior pipes or unoccupied premises. Alternatively, people may consider setting the heating for these areas to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.”
Margaret added, “Small efforts by everyone can make a big difference, we would ask people to only use what they need and not to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on local water supply.”
Uisce Éireann is encouraging people to report any leaks or bursts on the public water networks to our Customer Care Team on 1800 278 278.
Customers can also sign up to our free text alerts scheme which gives details of supply interruptions that last longer than four hours as well as details on planned and unplanned outages and boil water notices should they be needed to protect public health.
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