Weather related water disruption likely to continue due to Status Orange alert

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

Uisce Éireann is warning that weather related bursts on the water network are likely to continue for the coming days as a result of sub-zero temperatures.

The number of people without water this evening has fallen to approximately 8,000, down from 30,000 at the same time yesterday and from 40,000 early Monday morning. However, that figure is expected to rise in the coming days with the impact of the status orange weather warning. Freezing ground puts stress on underground pipes and network connections to properties which can cause an increase in leaks and bursts.

Uisce Éireann crews will continue to work to maintain and restore water supplies for customers across the country, while taking into account all necessary safety measures. 

Uisce Éireann’s Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge is urging people to continue to conserve water and to report any leaks on the public network.  She said, “as some counties face Arctic conditions, which can impact on our pipe infrastructure, letting us know of breaks on the public network allows us to dispatch our expert crews as early as possible, therefore protecting the levels of water in our reservoirs for the whole country.”

She added, “Conserving water at home and at work can help safeguard water supplies for as many people as possible, especially for our vulnerable customers and essential services such as hospitals and nursing homes. We’re asking people to do simple things like being mindful of shower times and turning off the faucet when brushing teeth. We are continuing to ask people to insulate outside taps, exposed pipes and tanks, to check for leaks and to turn off water to exterior pipes or unoccupied premises. We are especially asking people never to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on local water supply.”

The public can report leaks or bursts on the public water networks to our Customer Care Team on 1800 278 278.  

Customers can also sign up to our free text alerts scheme which gives details of supply interruptions that last longer than four hours as well as details on planned and unplanned outages and boil water notices should they be needed to protect public health. To sign up simply log onto water.ie and input your Eircode and mobile number.