Meath customers called to conserve water as demand for treated water rises in warm weather

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

Uisce Éireann is asking customers across Meath to conserve water as increased use during the current spell of warm weather means supplies are being used faster than water can be treated. 

While raw water sources remain stable, the level of demand all across the county is placing pressure on the treatment process. This means treated water is being used more quickly than it can be produced and stored in local reservoirs. 

As a result, we need to reduce pressure in some parts of Meath overnight, particularly in the Trim and Slane supply zones. These night-time restrictions will remain in place for the remainder of the week.

Low pressure may be experienced between 10pm and 6am by customers served by Bray Hill Reservoir, Trim and Summerhill Reservoir, namely Trim, Rathmolyon, Summerhill, Knightsbrook and surrounding areas. Updates are available on www.water.ie Ref No. MEA00114599.

Possible restrictions may be placed on customers served by Slane Hill Reservoir which includes the Slane, Stackallen and Knockmooney areas. An update on possible restrictions in those areas will be available on our website if required.           

Frontline Operations crews will continue to closely monitor network flows, reservoir levels, and system performance over the coming days.

Customers are being encouraged to reduce usage where possible to allow treated water reservoirs time to recover. This will help maintain a consistent supply for homes and businesses across the county. 

Speaking about the need to conserve water, Uisce Éireann’s Enda Cully said: “There has been a noticeable increase in water use across Meath over the past week. While our raw water sources are stable, demand is currently higher than the system can treat and supply.  We are asking customers to reduce their usage to give treated water reservoirs time to replenish. Even small changes, when taken across communities, can have a significant impact in maintaining supply for everyone. It’s not always obvious where to start, but simple actions at home and in the garden can make a real difference.” 

Simple steps taken at home, in the garden and at work can collectively make a real difference in protecting supply. 

Tips to Conserve Water   

• Drop the hose: Use a rose-head watering can over a hose or sprinkler. Aim for the roots. Water plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation.  
• Take short showers instead of a bath: Reducing your shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute. A typical bath uses 80 litres  
• Turn off the tap: Not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to 6 litres a minute. Keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinks.  
• Fill up your appliances: Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full load  
• Fix dripping taps: A single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year  
• Use a basin in the sink: Use a basin when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plants  
• Clean the car with a sponge: When washing your car, avoid the hose and use a bucket and sponge instead.  
• Install a water butt: Use it to collect rainwater from your gutters for gardening or washing the yard  
• Pick plants wisely:  Opt for low-water plants like lavender or olive trees. Established plants and lawns often don't need watering unless there's a drought  
• Lock in moisture:  Add bark or plant material to flower beds to prevent evaporation or use gel beads in pots to keep roots hydrated.  

More information on water conservation can be found at the Conservation section of our website. 

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at our Report a Leak page.  

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the Supply and Services section of our website. 

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at our Text Alerts page.