Several Offaly water supplies at 'high risk' of entering drought status

Uisce Éireann has said it's actively monitoring all water supplies across Offaly, as several of the county's water sources are currently at "high risk" of entering drought status.

It said the supplies that were at a particularly low level currently were in Busherstown, Rahan, Lisduff, Clara, and Ferbane.

The utility is appealing to the public to conserve water, with 51 water supplies nationally already in drought status during the current prolonged dry period.

To maintain normal supply levels, Uisce Éireann said it has implemented a range of interventions, including tankering water to reservoirs, night-time restrictions, and pressure management.

Fionnuala Callery, Uisce Éireann, Regional Technical Operations Manager, said: "Water levels in many sources are well below normal for this time of year, following a drier-than-average autumn, winter, and spring.

"The recent dry spell has further increased demand, putting added pressure on our network and reservoirs.

"We're working hard to protect and maintain supplies through the summer, but we also need the public's help.

"If everyone in Offaly takes a few simple steps to reduce water use at home and in the garden, we can stretch our resources further and help maintain a normal supply."

Uisce Eireann is encouraging people to reduce their water consumption by taking measures such as using a watering can for the garden instead of a hose or power washer, not letting the tap run when brushing teeth, and taking showers instead of baths.