Renewed appeal to Sligo customers to conserve water

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

Uisce Éireann continues to appeal to customers in Sligo to be mindful of their water use. 

With an increased demand on a number of supplies across the county, Uisce Éireann encourages people to adopt simple water saving practices at home, in the garden and at work. 

Uisce Éireann’s James Melvin explained that levels in many water sources are significantly lower than normal for this time and this coupled with an increase in demand has put pressure on supplies with some customers experiencing disruptions. 

He particularly appealed to customers on the North Sligo Water Supply Scheme to conserve water where they can. 

“An increase in supply coupled with leaks on the network, which were repaired immediately, resulted in a small number of customers on higher ground experiencing intermittent supply this week. We’re committed to ensuring a reliable water supply throughout the summer months for all our customers and the support of our customers in conserving water is an important element to achieve this.”

An alternative water supply for the customers affected in Cliffoney was provided and while a normal supply has returned the alternative supply will continue to be available over the weekend. 

Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from tankers and to boil water before consumption as per Health Service Executive advice. 

“We are asking people in Sligo to join us in making small changes in their own daily routine to help conserve water. Simple steps can have a big impact in helping to maintain water reserves. Whether it is using a watering can in the garden, or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, every individual action counts, and all adds up to making a positive contribution to benefit everyone,” said James. 

Below are some easy water-saving tips: 
•    Leave the hose in the shed: Drop the hose during the summer months. Use a rose head watering can to water your plants instead of a hose or sprinkler. Running a hose for just one hour uses as much water as a family would typically need in an entire day.
•    Bucket and sponge for your car: Using a bucket and sponge to wash your car can save hundreds of litres of water compared to using a hose or power washer.
•    Turn off the tap: Brushing your teeth with the tap running wastes up to six litres of water per minute. Turning it off while brushing can reduce that to just one litre. 
•    Switch to a shower: Showers use about half the amount of water as baths. Invest in water saving appliances such as water efficient taps and shower heads.
•    Shorter showers: With the average shower using seven litres of water per minute by turning your five-minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to seven litres of water per day.
•    Fully load your appliances: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before use. A typical washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water, and a dishwasher uses around 20 litres per cycle. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water, but you will also reduce your energy bills. 

For those looking to track their progress and learn more about water conservation, Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator, which allows people to track their personal water usage. To access the water conservation calculator or find out more about water conservation tips visit our conservation section.