This week Uisce Éireann implemented a water conservation order (hosepipe ban) in Counties Cork, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford to be in place until September. This is in addition to hosepipe bans in parts of Donegal, Meath and Westmeath.
The population is increasing as is economic activity so despite recent heavy rainfall, the supply demand balance remains under strain in many areas of the country. In the summer heat, there is a greater demand for water as animals need to keep cool and plants are in full growth.
To alleviate this pressure the Water Forum has called for all new homes to be water efficient and that more is done to raise awareness of the need for and benefits of saving water in domestic and business premises. A national survey of over 1500 people completed in 2023, showed that 74% of those surveyed support water conservation measures but are unsure of what to do.
Saving water has benefits to the environment, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with water provision and wastewater treatment and it also saves taxpayers money through reduced water and wastewater services costs.
Please find the Forum’s press release issued this week.
This infographic explains why we should all conserve water.
