Appeal made in Waterford over water usage

Uisce Éireann is appealing to everyone in Waterford to be mindful of their use of water, in the wake of Tallow being moved to drought status in recent days. 

"While recent weeks have brought cooler and wetter weather, water supplies in several parts of the country remain under significant pressure," said a spokesperson for the state utility.

Nighttime restrictions were in place in Tallow to help maintain the daytime supply. 

Uisce Éireann is monitoring all supplies in the county closely, and supplies in Ballymacarbry, Cappoquinn, Grallagh and Clashmore are also at high risk of moving to drought status. Uisce Éireann is taking measures to maintain normal supplies through interventions such as tankering to reservoirs, implementing nighttime restrictions, and managing pressure.

Maura Phelan, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Waterford, said: “Although we’ve seen some welcome rainfall, the long-term effects of a dry autumn, winter, and spring are still being felt. 

"Many water sources in the county have not recovered to sustainable levels. On top of this, the recent spell of warm weather has led to an increase in demand across many of our supplies, putting further pressure on water supply."

"We’re doing everything we can to protect and maintain supplies throughout the summer, but we’re also asking the public for their help by doing what they can to reduce their use," said Ms Phelan.

"If everyone in Waterford takes a few simple steps to reduce the volume used around the home and garden, and in businesses we can make our water go further and help maintain normal supplies.”