Uisce Éireann appeals to the public in Co Wexford to reduce water use

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

Uisce Éireann is appealing to everyone in Wexford to be mindful of their use of water. 

Following an increase in water usage by households and businesses, customers are being asked to be mindful of their usage, allow supply to catch up with demand and enable reservoirs to replenish fully.

Uisce Éireann is closely monitoring all water supplies across the county and is implementing measures such as tankering to reservoirs, nighttime restrictions, and pressure management.

Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Wexford, said, “Water demand has noticeably increased across Wexford in recent days. We’re asking customers across the county to conserve water and give supplies time to recover. Even small changes in how we use water can make a big difference, helping to improve the supply for everyone.

We’re doing everything we can to protect and maintain water supplies throughout the summer, but we also need the public’s support. If everyone in Wexford takes a few simple steps to reduce water use at home, in the garden, and at work, we can make our water go further and help maintain a regular supply for all.”

For more simple ways to conserve water, check out the Uisce Éireann conservation calculator (www.water.ie/calculator), which can help people work out how much water they are currently using and how they can conserve even more. 

Below are some easy water-saving tips: 

• Leave the hose in the shed: Drop the hose during the summer months. Use a rose-head watering can to water your plants instead of a hose or sprinkler. Running a hose for just one hour uses as much water as a family would typically need in an entire day.
• Bucket and sponge for your car: Using a bucket and sponge to wash your car can save hundreds of litres of water compared to using a hose or power washer.
• Turn off the tap: Brushing your teeth with the tap running wastes up to six litres of water per minute. Turning it off while brushing can reduce that to just one litre.
• Switch to a shower: Showers use about half the amount of water as baths. Invest in water-saving appliances such as water-efficient taps and shower heads.
• Shorter showers: By turning your five-minute shower into a four-minute one, you can save up to seven litres of water per day.
• Fully load your appliances: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before use. A typical washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water, and a dishwasher uses around 20 litres per cycle. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water, but you will also reduce your energy bills. 

More information on water conservation can be found at https://www.water.ie/conservation/ 

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

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 service and supply section of www.water.ie

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 the text alerts page.