HEATWAVE - Irish Water concern about possible water restrictions

2.40pm: UPDATE  Irish Water is moving to legally enforce a hosepipe ban as the temperatures continue to soar.
 The company says it will shortly make and publicise a number of orders, which will designate activities which must be banned for a period while the supply remains critical. 
"These drought orders will provide certain powers of enforcement to be used where necessary in support of the urgent need to preserve valuable and increasingly scarce water resources to meet essential social and economic needs," said a spokesperson.
 Irish Water is in touch with the farming organisations and offering assistance where water shortage is leading to animal welfare concerns. "In critical situations we will accommodate farmers who need to collect water by tanker where it can be made available to meet urgent needs".

 

11 am: As Meath continues to swelter in record-breaking temperatures, Irish Water has expressed concern about the possibility of having to impose restrictions in the long term. 

The company has appealed for supply conservation as the prolonged dry spell increases pressure on water supplies.

No water restrictions have been put in place in Meath for now but demand for water is increasing, while levels in rivers and lakes are falling.
“We  need the public’s support to reduce their water usage. The top three measures that people can take are not using a hose to water the garden or wash cars; keeping paddling pools very shallow if they are being used; and taking short showers rather than baths.”
With a prolonged dry spell being forecast by Met Éireann, in several areas around the country where water supplies were already under pressure, warm weather has exacerbated this situation.
“There is less water available to treat and supply to homes and businesses,” said a spokesperson for Irish water.
“This year has seen extended dry spells and Met Éireann has compared this to 1976 when drought conditions were experienced across the country.”
 
Irish Water’s Drought Management Team is meeting daily and is monitoring water supplies and demand around the country.

Irish Water says its priority is to minimise the impact on homes and businesses, particularly during this period of holidays and high tourism. 
Night time water pressure levels in the Greater Dublin Area has been lowered to the minimum level that will not impact businesses but will assist Irish Water managing demand more effectively.