Help safeguard our water supplies with simple water conservation tips

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

As we enjoy a spell of warm Spring weather, Uisce Éireann is sharing some simple steps we can all take to help conserve water and safeguard our precious water supplies now and into the Summer.

Demand for treated water continues to rise each year as we support the delivery of new homes and business. This demand increases further when there are prolonged periods of warm, dry weather.

As we come into Summer, Uisce Éireann is urging customers to be mindful of their use of water so that supplies can be protected, especially in areas where water resources are under pressure.

Margaret Attridge, head of water operations with Uisce Éireann said: “We are seeing high and increasing demand in a number of supplies around the country, including those serving the Greater Dublin Area, as well as some areas of Westmeath, Donegal, Limerick, Kilkenny and Wexford. In response, we have been ramping up our leakage detection, pipe repair, and other network management activities to help offset this demand. We will continue to monitor the situation around the country and take measures to manage supplies as we go into the summer months. However we welcome any support the public can provide by doing what they can to reduce their use."

"When temperatures rise, so does our water consumption. As we enjoy this very welcome spell of warm weather, we are asking everyone to play their part in conserving water and reporting leaks to help alleviate the pressure on our water supplies," added Margaret.

Simple actions, such as taking a shorter shower, placing a basin in the sink and fixing leaking taps can all make a significant impact. Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator to help people find out how much water they’re saving and what they can do to save even more. Check it out at water.ie/calculator

This is also a good time for people to spot any underground leaks outside their home or business. Signs of such leaks may include persistent moisture in areas of the lawn or driveway, even during dry weather. Uisce Éireann’s first fix free scheme provides for a free leak repair on private property where such a leak is identified. We would especially appreciate those who have been contacted for a free leak investigation engage with us to resolve potential leaks.

There is information on the scheme, along with lots of easy-to-follow water-saving tips on water.ie. To report leaks in the public network, or for more information, the Uisce Éireann helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.

Key Tips to help you conserve water

• Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes
• Don’t let the tap run: Brushing your teeth with the tap running can use up to a staggering 6 litres per minute. Brushing your teeth with the tap off will use a more modest 1 litre of water
• Shower vs. Bath: The average bath uses 80 litres of water compared to an average shower using 49 litres in seven minutes. Switch your bath to a shower for a massive water saving
• Less time: With the average shower using 7 litres of water per minute by turning your five minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to 7 litres of water per day!
• Fully loaded: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machines are fully loaded. A modern washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water per cycle while a dishwasher uses 20 litres. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water but you will also reduce your energy bills
• Don’t flush it all away: A third of all water used in the home is flushed down the toilet. Some larger cisterns can continue to work effectively with a smaller flush. Place a displacement device into the cistern (out of the way of moving parts) to save water
  Water Conservation Tips for Business 
• Conduct a water audit to see where savings can be made. 
• Appoint water stewards who will champion water conservation. 
• Invest in water efficient devices and appliances such as dual flush toilets, mixer taps and low flow showers.
• Raise awareness amongst customers and employees with water conservation notices & signage.