Works underway to restore supply to Kirikee customers

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

Uisce Éireann is working with Wicklow County Council to restore water supply as quickly as possible to impacted customers in Kirikee following depleted levels in the local reservoir.

Dedicated water service crews are progressing with works to replenish reservoir levels which have fallen due to excessive and non-essential use in the area. Investigations into the supply interruption found that a hosepipe left running on private property resulted in reduced network storage levels and interrupted supply for others on the Water Supply Zone. Works are expected to continue until 4pm today as reservoirs are refilled. Uisce Éireann are filling supplies with water from neighbouring water supply zones to aid recovery. Following the works, it typically takes two to three hours to restore normal supply to all customers affected by an unplanned outage.

The vast majority of Uisce Éireann's 750 water treatment plants continue to meet the demand for water supply. Uisce Éireann would like to thank members of the public for their responsible use of water and is asking everybody to continue to take some simple steps to conserve water to ensure supplies are healthy into Autumn.

Uisce Éireann and Wicklow County Council are closely monitoring water levels in a number of areas in the county and taking remedial measures to maintain normal supplies, however, the public is still being asked to assist by taking some simple steps to reduce their water use.

Kevin Love of Uisce Éireann, said, "We have seen a big increase in demand in recent days including a hosepipe left running on private property resulting in reduced network storage levels and interrupted supply for others. We are appealing to everyone to continue playing their part in helping to conserve water, and particularly to avoid non-essential use such as running hoses or power washers.

"To help people learn more about saving water we have developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator so they can work out how much water they are currently saving and how they can conserve even more. The free calculator is available on the Uisce Éireann website at www.water.ie/calculator where you can also find lots of useful water saving tips. 

"We will continue to monitor the levels at all our supplies over the coming weeks and months and take any actions that may be necessary to maintain supplies, including communicating about localised issues as they arise." 

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann 24/7 at 1800 278 278 or on water.ie

There are a number of easy steps to reduce water usage during the hot weather, including:

• Avoid power washing and keep the garden hose in the shed
• Check for leaks on outdoor taps or troughs as these can lead to large losses of treated water
• Remember that paddling pools and swimming pools can use huge volumes of water so consider reusing the water for the garden or cleaning the car.
• Report any visible leaks on the public network to Uisce Éireann at water.ie or call 1800 278 278. 
• Where householders experience very low flow or pressure, lower than neighbouring properties, they may have a service pipe leak. Uisce Éireann's First-Fix-Free Scheme can help with the location and repair of external leaks. Details at water.ie or call 1800 278 278.