Water restrictions to hit Meath homes from Monday
Irish Water has confirmed that there will be water restrictions for the Greater Dublin are which includes Meath from Monday night.
The details of the areas to be affected are due to be confirmed later today. It's planned that pressure will be restricted in the early hours of the mornng as Irish Water tries to protect supplies through this prolonged dry spell.
It comes as there has been no significant rainfall for 40 days and none is forecast for at least ten more days.
Irish Water said it is examining water supply across counties Dublin, Wicklow, Meath and Kildare to see which areas will be least impacted by reducing water pressure.
Speaking on RTÉ’s 6.1 News, Kate Gannon, Corporate Affairs Manager at Irish Water said it plans to reduce water pressure between midnight and 5am from Monday night in certain areas due to the continuing shortages.
"Irish Water is appealing to everyone to conserve water as drought conditions continue across the country. The National Water Conservation Order (hosepipe ban) is in place until midnight on the 31 July 2018. Due to depleting water levels in rivers, lakes and ground water sources which supply our water treatment plants the scope of this Order is being kept under review.
"It will take sustained rainfall over many weeks and even months to replenish raw water levels in rivers, lakes and groundwater sources and treated drinking water levels in our storage reservoirs. We will continue to analyse water consumption levels nationally over the weekend and early next week to assess demand for water with the National Water Conservation Order in place. At the same time, we are monitoring the continued fall in water levels in our sources.
"Demand for water is so high, particularly during peak times, that we are struggling to get enough water around the system quick enough. If we can all do our bit this will reduce the risk of lower water pressure or no water at all.
Meanwhile the Met Eireann Status Yellow drought advisory remains in place
Met Éireann said a status yellow drought advisory remains in place across the country until midday tomorrow and is likely to be extended.
The country has experienced dry conditions since 21 June and despite some very light rain in parts yesterday, drought conditions persist.
More changeable weather is forecast from the middle of next week.