West Cork customers called on 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 West Cork 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 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, Uisce Éireann is introducing targeted nighttime restrictions and tankering measures to protect daytime supply for homes and businesses.

In Skibbereen nighttime restrictions are necessary to allow the treated water at Lake Cross Water Treatment Plant recover overnight. From tonight (Wednesday) customers in Skibbereen, Lake Cross, Union Hall, Squince, Myross, Castletownsend, Sandycove, Tragumna, Lough Hyne, Coom and surrounding areas may experience low pressure or a disruption to their water supply between 10.30pm each night until 7am the following morning. Meanwhile in Bantry tankering to treated reservoirs will be in place from today as a contingency measure to support the Derryginach and Cahernacrin Schemes.

Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water levels closely in Skibbereen and Bantry and adjust operations daily based on demand, usage, and weather conditions. The nighttime restrictions will be reviewed this Friday, 26 June.

Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager, Uisce Éireann urged the community of West Cork to support the conservation measures. “When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water as is the case with both Skibbereen and Bantry. We are urging customers in West Cork to row in behind us and be mindful of their usage. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

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

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

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 tosixlitres 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. 

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.