ALERT: National appeal to conserve water

AS the country is set to enjoy a long spell of warm weather, Uisce Éireann is appealing to the public to help protect the country’s water supplies.

This can be done, according to the water utility by adopting simple water-saving practices at home, in the garden, and at work.

The state-owned company said that “Already the water network is experiencing increased pressure on supplies across several regions.” 

 “The aim of the appeal,” a company spokesperson said: “Is to remind the public that saving water doesn’t have to be difficult. By making small adjustments, we can all contribute to managing water more efficiently.

It has issued some easy water-saving tips:

• Leave the hose in the shed:

Store the hose in the shed 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 that baths do • . Invest in water-saving appliances, such as water-efficient taps and showerheads.

• Shorter showers:

With the average shower using seven litres of water per minute, turning your five-minute shower into a four-minute shower could 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, you will not only conserve water but also reduce your energy bills.

Uisce Éireann’s Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge said: “We’re committed to ensuring a reliable water supply throughout the summer months. The support of our customers is an important element to achieve this. In the days and weeks ahead, we would appeal to customers to take the opportunity to really consider their water usage and reflect on the daily and easy actions they can take to play their part in ensuring our water resources are used wisely and in a way which benefits, not only your own household but also the wider community.

“While the warmer weather is certainly a welcome change, it does place additional demands on our water supplies. That is why we are asking people to join us in making small changes to their daily routines to help conserve water. Simple steps can have a big impact in helping to maintain water reserves. Whether it is using a watering can in the garden, or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, every individual action counts, and all adds up to making a positive contribution to benefit everyone.” 

For those looking to track their progress and learn more about water conservation, Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator, which allows people to track their personal water usage.

To access the water conservation calculator or find out more about water conservation tips, visit www.water.ie/conservation.