Residents and businesses who have their water supplied by Lough Colm and Lough Fad have been asked to conserve water usage by Irish Water due to unseasonably dry weather conditions.
Consumers served from the Lough Colm source which serves the Milford, Kerrykeel, Rathmullan, and Ramelton areas, and also the Lough Fad source which serves the Quigley’s Point, Redcastle, Moville and part of Greencastle are asked to conserve as much water as possible.
Councillors have voiced their concern on the matter, with Councillor Liam Blaney and Councillor Ian McGarvey highlighting the ‘very stark’ situation.
Two meetings took place last Friday with elected representatives from the impacted communities.
The briefings outlined details of over €9 million which is being invested by Irish Water in several different projects as well as the drought prevention measures that Irish Water and Donegal County Council are carrying out to help conserve water including the redistribution of water from adjacent water supplies.
The HSE will consult all planned drought prevention measures – including monitoring water quality; as required by legislation.
Commenting Irish Water’s Operations Lead for Donegal Laurence Nash said: “The main message is that we are urging people to conserve water and report leaks. People are asked to be conscious of their water consumption.
“Small changes by individuals can have a positive impact on water reserves. Irish Water is asking the public for their assistance by reporting all leaks to help conserve water and reduce loss of water in the network due to leakage.
“Water supply levels in Lough Colm and Lough Fad are reaching critically low levels and unless there is a spell of persistent and heavy rain for a prolonged period of time it is highly unlikely water levels will be restored to the normal level for this time of year.
“We are asking people to check their homes for leaks, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, showering rather than bathing and ensuring washing machines and dishwashers are fully loaded before use. These are just some of the measures which will help reduce demand on water supplies.”
Plans
In the short term in the Milford area €750,000 is being spent by Irish Water on pipeline extensions while in the long term €1.2m is being invested in pipeline extensions from Milford to Letterkenny.
A further €750,000 is also being spent in extending the supply from Cranford to Milford.
In East Inishowen €150,000 is being invested by Irish Water in pipeline extension works and the recommissioning of the Moville Water Treatment Plant in the short term.
A long term project in this area will see an interconnector laid between Illies and East Inishowen which is being progressed at a cost to the utility of €5.8 million. This is combined with a further €500,000 spend on water rehabilitation pipe line replacement works.
Conservation tips
Customers are asked to refrain from using piped water supplies for activities such as watering lawns and gardens, washing cars, and washing down yards etc.
Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes.
Don’t let the tap run: Brushing your teeth with the tap running can use up to a staggering 6 litres per minute. Brushing your teeth with the tap off will use a more modest 1 litre of water.
Shower vs. Bath: The average bath uses 80 litres of water compared to an average shower using 49 litres in seven minutes. Switch your bath to a shower for a massive water saving.
Less time: With the average shower using 7 litres of water per minute by turning your five minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to 7 litres of water per day
Fully loaded: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machines are fully loaded. A modern washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water per cycle while a dishwasher uses 20 litres. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water but you will also reduce your energy bills.
Don’t flush it all away: A third of all water used in the home is flushed down the toilet. Some larger cisterns can continue to work effectively with a smaller flush. Place a displacement device into the cistern (out of the way of moving parts) to save water.
Don’t forget to collect: Rainwater is excellent for your garden. Collect it in a water butt from your gutters but always make sure to securely cover the large container for safety.
Please report any leaks you see by calling the Irish Water Customer Care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1850 278 278.
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