Uisce Éireann appeals to customers to conserve water in Mullingar area

Close monitoring of the water level at Lough Owel continues

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers supplied by the Mullingar Regional Public Water Supply Scheme to conserve water to protect the water supply.

The Mullingar Regional Public Water Supply serves a large portion of County Westmeath, including Mullingar and its surrounding areas, as well as the communities of Ballynacargy, Moyvore, Ballymore, Moate, Rathowen, Streete, Rathconrath, Killucan, Coralstown, Kinnegad, Milltownpass, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan, Ballinagore, Gaybrook, and Horseleap.

The appeal comes as a result of ongoing low water levels in Lough Owel, which supplies the Portloman water treatment plant serving 50,000 customers in Mullingar and surrounding areas.

Jim Fitzgerald, regional operations senior manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, explains: “The community will have noticed that water levels in Lough Owel remain lower than usual for this time of year, due to significantly reduced rainfall over the last six months.

“While it may often feel like Ireland gets plenty of rain, the data shows we experienced an unseasonably warm and dry autumn and winter in the midlands. As a result, the lake has not had its usual seasonal recharge, and we are heading into the summer months with lower than average water levels.

“In response, we have increased our efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management. We’re also working closely with local stakeholders to help protect the water supply.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take any necessary steps to manage the supply as we move through the summer.”

Mr Fitzgerald said Uisce Éireann is asking customers to think about their water usage and make efforts to conserve water.

“As temperatures rise, so too does our water consumption. While the current warm spell is welcome, we’re asking everyone to be mindful of their water use.

“Even small changes, like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, only running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads and fixing a leaking tap, can make a meaningful impact and help reduce the pressure on the lake. Working together, we can help protect this vital resource,” he said.

Uisce Éireann has an easy-to-use conservation calculator to help people find out how much water they’re saving and what they can do to save even more. Check it out at water.ie/calculator.

This is also a good time for people to spot any leaks outside their home or business. Uisce Éireann’s first fix free scheme may provide for a free leak repair on private property where such a leak is identified. We would especially appreciate those who have been contacted for a free leak investigation engage with us to resolve potential leaks.

There is information on the scheme, along with easy to follow water-saving tips on water.ie.

To report leaks in the public network, or for more information, the Uisce Éireann helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the text alerts page.