Wexford public reminded to take some simple steps to conserve water over the coming weeks

Uisce Éireann is reminding the public in Wexford to be mindful of their water usage in the coming weeks as some supplies are experiencing increased demand in the current spell of warm weather. Uisce Éireann has over 750 water treatment plants nationwide and the majority of these are continuing to meet the demand for water. A small number (13 at present) nationwide have been impacted by shortage. In all these areas we are taking steps to keep the water flowing and minimise the impact on customers. These include tankering and/or night time restrictions. 

Since March, Uisce Éireann has been carefully monitoring all raw water sources in county Wexford, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed our water treatment plants.

Speaking about the issues, Uisce Éireann's Ronan Walsh said,

"We are appealing to the public in Wexford to be mindful of how they use their water at home, as we have had a very dry period recently and the temperature is set to soar again over the coming days. As the busy summer holiday period continues, many people are outdoors a lot more, watering the garden or washing cars. Demand on Sunday 7th August saw an increase of 7.5% from 1st August which is likely to be attributed to the good weather and high temperatures."

"Met Éireann has forecast high temperatures for the coming week with weather to remain hot and dry through the weekend with a good deal of sunshine. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain in the mid to high twenties across Wexford. Met Éireann has issued a high temperature warning for the week ahead so we are just asking people to be sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone to use during the daytime and that the businesses of Wexford can function to their optimal."

"Our main areas of concern around the county currently would be;"

• South Regional Water Supply Zone - Ballyhack, Arthurstown, Duncannon, Fethard-on-Sea
• Fardystown Water Supply Zone - Rosslare, Carne, St.Helen's, Kilmore, Bridgetown, Piercestown, Murrintown
• Wexford Town, Barntown and Taghmon
• Sow Regional Water Supply Zone - Ballymurn, Castlebridge, Crosstown, Ardcavan, Curracloe, Blackwater
• Askamore supply zone (tankering)

"Water is such a precious natural resource, and we are working hard along with our colleagues in Wexford County Council to ensure the people in Wexford have a safe and reliable water supply."

"There are lots of helpful tips for conserving water on water.ie however, the most effective tips would be to leave the hose and the pressure washer in the shed; minimise the use paddling pools; reuse household water for the garden; and take shorter showers. Safeguarding the supply of water is essential currently when hand washing and hygiene is of critical importance. We are calling on everyone to play their part."

Future Plans

Uisce Éireann continues to improve water supplies across Wexford and has has recently replaced filter media to the value €200k at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment plant and plans are in place to do a larger upgrade there (€10m) to bring a safer and more reliable supply to homes and businesses in Enniscorthy. Similarly, an upgrade (€5m) is planned for the Newtown Water Treatment Plant in Wexford town and in Gorey where the Creagh Water Treatment Plant has already received an investment of €200,00 with a bigger upgrade due in 2023. The new Gorey Regional Water Supply scheme including the new treatment plant at Ballyminaun, with an investment of €17m is also due for completion this year. This will bring a more robust and safer water supply to the people of Wexford.

The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website. Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council regret any inconvenience caused.

"Uisce Éireann is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland. We are committed to continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support the growth needed in housing and across our economy, while protecting the environment and safeguarding water supplies."

Conservation Calculator

In May, Uisce Éireann launched the online Conservation Calculator. Research commissioned by Uisce Éireann showed that over half of Irish households (53%) admitted to wasting water, even though some eight in ten (78%) know it is important to take steps to conserve it. The Conservation Calculator, which will assist households across the country to assess their water usage habits and find out how much water they are saving on a daily basis. It also offers useful and practical tips on how to reduce water usage and track their progress.  The free tool was developed in response to research which shows consumers want additional tools to assist them conserve water and is available at www.water.ie/calculator.