Statement on non-essential works during heatwave

Uisce Éireann recognises the importance of maintaining water supplies during hot weather, particularly for vulnerable customers and high-risk users. Our crews are working 24/7 across the country to maintain normal, safe water supplies for communities.

Planned works have been reviewed in light of the forecast conditions and customer impacting works will be temporarily suspended where safe to do so during the heat warning. 

Where essential non planned works must proceed, we will seek to minimise disruption and ensure prompt customer notifications by way of service updates online and that text alerts where available are issued. Should vulnerable customers require alternative water supplies we will also support where required.

With the hot weather likely to stay for another few days we’re reminding people that every individual water saving action counts and using only what you need really helps to make a positive contribution that can benefit everyone.

Below are some simple water-saving tips everyone can do, to help protect supplies for our communities, vulnerable customers and essential services:   

• Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes.
• Drop the hose: Drop the hose during the summer months. Use a rose head watering can to water your plants, instead of a hose or sprinkler.
• 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, while a 7-minute shower uses just 49 litres. Switching to showers can save a significant amount of water.
• 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.

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7. Updates are available on our website, on X at @IWCare and @IrishWater, and through our customer care line, which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 

Customers can also sign up for real-time text alerts by registering their Eircode and mobile number on our Text Alerts page.