Works underway to restore supply to customers in Ballybofey and Stranorlar

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

Due to critically low water levels across the Lough Mourne Public Water Supply, Uisce Éireann customers may experience supply interruptions in the coming days.

While crews are working to restore supply to customers across the network, customers are being urged to conserve water where possible and to report any leaks.

A combination of increased demand and a number of bursts across the network has resulted in reservoir levels depleting significantly.

While reservoir levels recover and pressure builds in the water network, many customers are likely to experience interruption to supply today, Tuesday, and in the coming days.

Uisce Éireann’s Paul Kilcoyne explained: “We regret any inconvenience as a result of this issue. We are appealing to all customers in the impacted areas to conserve water during this time, as the reservoirs replenish. This will help prevent additional strain on the local supply and ensure that normal water pressure and supply can be restored to all residents as soon as possible.”

Uisce Éireann is also closely monitoring water levels at the Corradooey Reservoir which has experienced a 50% increase in daytime usage over the past week. High usage can lead to pressure reductions which can impact the supply to customers.

As a result of this exceptional increase in demand, customers supplied by Corradooey and Argery reservoirs, and customers in the Twin Towns, Kilross, Drumkeen, Convoy, Raphoe, Lifford, Rossgier, the Haw Lifford, and surrounding areas are reminded to be mindful of water usage and reduce usage where possible. Overnight restrictions are necessary to allow reservoir levels to recover. These restrictions will remain in place until reservoirs replenish.

Other properties distant from the Lough Mourne Reservoir and properties on high ground surrounding Ballybofey, Stranorlar and Glenfin, may also experience intermittent supply and low pressure.

Paul is advising customers to conserve water where possible. “We have deployed additional resources to try to identify the sources of the demand and repair any leaks across the supply zone. While our frontline crews are working to manage water supply across the area and repair any leaks on the network, we need the help of our customers to conserving water while water levels remain critically low.

“Any reduction that customers can make in their usage can collectively result in significant supply improvements for all homes and businesses. We would also urge members of the public to continue to report any leaks or bursts on the public water network to our Customer Care Team on 1800 278 278, which is open 24/7.

“It’s important that we all consider our water usage and look at simple yet impactful ways to conserve water. It can sometimes be difficult to know where to start, but even small changes can make a significant difference.”

For more simple ways to conserve water, check out the Uisce Éireann conservation calculator (www.water.ie/calculator) which can help people work out how much water they are currently using and how they can conserve even more.

WATER SAVING TIPS
At Home:

• Take a shorter shower
• Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home 
• When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute 
• Report any external leaks to Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278. No leak fixes itself and every leak gets progressively worse. The escaping water can weaken the ground or cause slippery footpaths and roads. The leaking water reduces the supply pressure for adjacent properties. What looks like a small leak at the surface can be using the equivalent to 20-30 households.
   

On the Farm:

• Fix troughs – Watch out for overflowing drinking troughs as they can waste significant amounts of water. Adjust the ball valves to lower the float or replace faulty parts. 
• Dry cleaning: Save water when cleaning the yard by using dry-cleaning techniques. Use scrapers and brushes to remove solid waste from yards and pens before hosing. You can also use a small amount of water (e.g. one bucket) to pre-soak waste before cleaning.
• Clean plate cooler water: If you own a dairy farm, you can divert clean plate cooler water to a tank and use it for parlour washing.
• Consider Rainwater Harvesting - rain from the roofs of farm buildings can be used for a variety of activities such as washing down yards. Consider the level of rainwater quality required for specific water uses on the farm (e.g., plant nurseries and field irrigation) and the surfaces and contamination risks before you consider installing appropriate rain water harvesting, treatment (filtration and UV) and storage systems.
• Take action to protect water sources: Avoid contamination of surface waters by reducing or eliminating access to livestock by fencing off watercourses. Pollution containing animal faeces can affect the water environment, nutrients and soil. Destroyed bankside vegetation can also contribute to flooding. 
• There are lots more water saving tips for farmers on our website at https://www.water.ie/conservation/business/take-action/agriculture/ 
• Uisce Éireann, as one of the leading water utilities in this space, has a first-of-its-kind dedicated water stewardship programme where we work with businesses to help them understand and reduce their water use. Find out more at water.ie/businessconserve with advice for a range of industries including hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture and small businesses. 
   

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of our website.

Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the text alerts page.