An appeal to customers in Greater Dublin Area to turn off taps and check for leaks

With the freezing weather likely to pass for a period in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and some thaw setting in, Uisce Éireann has appealed to householders and businesses to check for leaks on their properties and report leaks on the public network via www.water.ie or by calling 1800 278 278.

The sub-zero temperatures in recent days have increased the number of frozen water pipes and bursts, causing increased pressure on water supplies across the region. Freezing water expands and strains the pipes until they crack or burst, not only impacting older, weakened pipes but also modern pipes that are laid in shallow ground and vulnerable to temperature drops.

Uisce Éireann crews are on the ground, working in partnership with the four Dublin Local Authorities, and across the country, to maintain essential water and wastewater services. Since Monday, crews have already repaired over 60 major bursts across the GDA which, if not found, could have impacted the water supply to thousands of homes and businesses. Investigations into leaks caused by burst mains continue to take place at dozens of other locations. While our raw water reservoirs and sources are full at this time of year, demand for water has increased and is putting pressure on the supply of treated water in our storage reservoirs.

Customers can also do their bit to help avoid expensive repairs and disrupted water supply at home or in their business by taking a few easy, preventative measures. These include checking outside pipes that can become frozen and burst during periods of cold weather and, if possible, turn off water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises. They can also report a leak on the public network online via Uisce Éireann's dedicated webpage or by calling the customer team on 1800 278 278.

We would also ask people never to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can bleed the network and seriously impact your local water supply.

John O'Donoghue, Uisce Éireann's Regional Operations Manager, offered this advice: "With the temperatures having been below freezing and some element of thaw beginning it is essential to continue the regular maintenance of your property and check premises for leaks. It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your own internal water system and particularly how to turn off your supply at the stopcock so that you can protect your property in the event of a burst pipe.

"We also recommend that people don't run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains. It also puts further pressure on water supplies that are already challenged by the freezing conditions. For example in one rural location this year we saw an example of where a single hosepipe left running overnight resulted in 60 people being without water.

"To help people avoid issues like this and stay safe, warm and comfortable during the cold snap, we have lots of helpful advice on our website, www.water.ie/winterproofing. There is also advice on general winter readiness at www.winterready.ie.

The Uisce Éireann Customer Care Team is also available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and there is lots of advice on being winter ready on Twitter @IrishWater.