Overnight restrictions necessary for Tarbert and surrounding areas

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

Overnight water restrictions will be in place tonight in some areas served by the Listowel Water Treatment Plant.

Restrictions will be in place from 8pm tonight until 8am on Monday morning in Tarbert, Tieraclea, Moyvane, Knockanure, Cloonmacken and Knockane.

Customers impacted by the restrictions should have normal supply levels restored by 8am on Monday, although customers at elevated levels in the Knockane area may continue to experience low pressure or supply disruptions through the day tomorrow.

The overnight restrictions are necessary as a result of a burst in a rising main from the Listowel WTP. The main is now repaired, but the supply interruption coupled with high demand on the network has left reservoir levels critically low.

The restrictions will enable the recovery of levels in the Listowel WTP reservoir and ensure continuous water supply to industries, schools, residences and commercial premises during business hours. Some further nighttime restrictions may be required over the course of the coming week to allow reservoir levels to fully replenish.

An alternative water supply is being made available to impacted customers from 9am on Monday morning. This will be located opposite the entrance to the Listowel WTP (Eircode: V31 NX46).

Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

John Fitzgerald, Uisce Éireann Technical Operations Lead for Kerry, assured customers that all efforts are being made to restore supply to normal levels.

“We understand the impact of overnight restrictions but these measures are necessary to ensure continuous daytime supply for homes and businesses while we allow the reservoir levels time to recover,” said John.

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 are 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 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. To report leaks on 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 six litres per minute. Brushing your teeth with the tap off will use a more modest one 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 seven litres of water per minute by turning your five-minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to seven 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.