Conservation urged as Uisce Éireann warns of night-time restrictions in South Leitrim

Uisce Éireann is urging customers across South Leitrim to conserve water in order to protect local supply, following a recent increase in water usage by both households and businesses, coupled with a number of water main bursts in recent weeks.

Customers are being asked to be mindful of their water consumption to allow supply to catch up with demand and to enable reservoirs to fully replenish. This is a recurring challenge and appeal from Uisce Éireann as water supply in the south of the county has long remained on a knife-edge. 

The South Leitrim Regional Water Scheme, which supplies customers in the Corraleehan, Aughawillan and Ballinamore areas, is currently experiencing increased demand.

“There has been a noticeable increase in water demand across the South Leitrim areas in the past week. We are asking customers across the county to conserve water to give the reservoirs time to replenish,” said Paul Kellegher of Uisce Éireann.

“Any reduction that customers can make in their usage can collectively result in significant supply improvements for all homes and businesses,” he added.

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Mr Kellegher is also appealing to customers to report any leaks by contacting 1800 278 278 and, where possible, to inspect for leaks at home or in the workplace by checking taps, joints and exposed pipes both inside and outside their property.

“We have been working hard to maintain supply for our customers, however, we may have to move to night-time restrictions if reservoir levels do not improve in the coming days to ensure we can meet peak time demand across all of South Leitrim,” he added.

For simple ways to conserve water, customers are encouraged to visit the Uisce Éireann conservation calculator.

Water-saving tips include turning off the tap while brushing teeth, choosing showers instead of baths, fully loading dishwashers and washing machines, and using a bucket and sponge to wash cars. Further information on water conservation is available here.

Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or online via the Report a Leak service.

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Uisce Éireann also operates a free text alert service, providing real-time updates on local issues. Customers can sign up using their Eircode and mobile number through the text alerts page.