LIMERICK County Council is appealing to consumers to restrict their use of water to essential purposes only for the duration of the current dry spell.
The Council said the conservation message is being issued in response to the huge increase in demand for water in recent days and the forecast continuation of the dry spell.
The Water Services section warned it may be necessary to curtail water supplies in any area from time to time in the interest of water conservation.
The risk relates particularly to Kilteely, Kilbeheny, Herbertstown, Ardpatrick, Foynes, Kildimo, Adare, Croom, Oola and Doon.
There has been a 25 per cent increase in demand in Abbeyfeale while the Newcastle West Public Water Supply has seen a 15 per cent increase in demand since the weekend.
David Keane, senior engineer with Limerick local authorities said: “This conservation message is being issued as is standard during any prolonged period of exceptionally warm and dry weather.
“Conservation is being urged not only because of a shortage of a rainfall but additionally because of the surge in demand for water ability exceeding the amount of water being produced by the county’s public water supplies.”
He continued: “Every reduction, no matter how small, will contribute to maintaining supplies and your cooperation is appreciated. In order to ensure a continuous minimum supply to all areas, watering of gardens and washing of cars in particular should be avoided.
“Farmers are urged to check drinking troughs to ensure that ball-cocks have not been damaged due to high consumption levels by cattle resulting in overflowing water troughs.”
The local authority says the following measures should be observed:
– Avoid washing cars as much as possible and use a bucket rather than a hose
– Avoid watering lawns
– Don’t use a hose when washing down driveways, walls, etc, use a bucket and brush
– Only run your washing machine or dishwasher when it has a full load
– Don’t leave the tap running when washing your teeth
– Reduce the use of power showers – a power shower can use 125 litres of water in five minutes
Further information about water conservation is available on the Limerick County Council website at www.lcc.ie.
