There is a “possibility” that the hosepipe ban could be extended beyond 26th August, Uisce Éireann has said.
From midnight on Friday, the entire country will come under water restrictions, following weeks of sunny weather.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Regional Water Operations Manager for the South West Brian O'Leary said the hosepipe ban is needed to protect water supplies “in the weeks and months ahead”.
“That applies not just to domestic homes, but also to the commercial sector, to businesses, hospitals, farms and essential services,” he said.
“The recent hot weather, which is set to continue with little or no rain and warm temperatures; that has seen exceptionally high demand across the country.
“And that's putting huge pressure on our sources, but also our treatment plants and our networks.”
Mr O'Leary continued that Uisce Éireann is taking “all measures possible to keep water flowing” and is investing large sums in repairing leaks.
He noted that the number of leaks has been reduced from 49% of the network to 33%.
“The nationwide water conservation order, really, it's an appeal to all customers just to be mindful of their water usage by taking measures such as turning off the taps when brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, putting away the hose and using a watering can.
“I suppose the appeal today is really for the general public to get behind this as well and do their part by taking the small measures I mentioned.
“Collectively, if we all reduce our demand a small bit, it'll make a huge difference in protecting our water supplies.”
Out of the country's 700 public water supplies, approximately 53 have nighttime restrictions in place.
“This is whereby because of demand outstripping supply, we throttle back valves and we turn off outlets for a period overnight, where it has least impact to people just to allow reservoirs to replenish,” Mr O’Leary explained.
“So, that when people wake up in the morning and turn on their taps that they do have a supply coming out.”
The hosepipe ban is due to expire on 26th August, but Mr O’Leary added there is a “possibility” it could be reduced or extended depending on the weather.
Main image: A hosepipe watering the flowers. Picture by: Alamy.com.
