Uisce Éireann urges Offaly public to use water responsibly

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers in Offaly to continue using water responsibly as the warm and dry weather conditions persist.

A water conservation order remains in place for the county and nationally to help protect public drinking water supplies following a prolonged period of exceptionally warm and dry weather, combined with high demand for water across the country.

In Offaly, Uisce Éireann continues to supplement water supplies through ongoing tankering operations to help maintain supply for customers in Lisduff, while alternative water supplies also remain in place for customers in Moneygall.

While customer conservation efforts have helped reduce demand, water sources remain under pressure and every effort to conserve water remains important.

Uisce Éireann's top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.

Customers are being asked to continue avoiding non-essential water use and to play their part in protecting supplies for homes, businesses and essential services.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, said: "We would like to thank customers across Offaly for the support they have shown since the Water Conservation Order was introduced. We have seen demand reduce in many areas and those efforts are helping to protect water supplies.

"However, many of our water sources remain under pressure following an extended period of warm and dry weather and it will take time for those sources to recover.

"Simple actions such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaking taps and toilets, fully loading dishwashers and washing machines, and using a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler can all make a meaningful difference. Every drop counts."

The water conservation order is in place until August 26 and is reviewed on an ongoing basis taking into account weather conditions, soil moisture deficits and the status of water supplies.