Uisce Éireann reaffirms appeal to customers on consumption
Critically low water levels in Lough Owel
Uisce Éireann is reaffirming an appeal 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 Town and its surrounding areas, as well as the communities of Ballynacarrigy, Moyvore, Ballymore, Moate, Rathowen, Streete, Rathconrath, Killucan, Coralstown, Kinnegad, Milltownpass, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan, Ballinagore, Gaybrook, and Horseleap.
The appeal comes again as a result of critically low water levels in Lough Owel, which supplies the Portloman water treatment plant serving over 50,000 customers in Mullingar and surrounding areas.
Current analysis indicates that without a prolonged period of heavy rain in the coming weeks, Uisce Éireann may have to put measures in place to safeguard the water supply.
Even with a prolonged period of heavy rain there is still a risk as Lough Owel is a spring-fed lake and any rain that falls today will take a number of months to filter through soils and bedrock before it gets to the lake.
Jim Fitzgerald, Regional Operations Senior Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann explains: “The local community will have noticed that water levels in Lough Owel are at a critically low level for this time of year.”
“This is due to significantly reduced rainfall over the past six months. The lake has not had its usual seasonal recharge, and despite recent heavy rainfall, we are heading into the summer months with much 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 are again appealing to customers on the Mullingar Regional Water Supply to think about their water usage and make every effort to conserve water. As temperatures rise, so too does our water consumption. Forecast tells us there is a warm spell of weather on the way, 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,” added Jim.
Uisce Éireann has developed 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.
Uisce Éireann’s first fix free scheme may provide for a free leak repair on private property where such a leak is identified. They would especially appreciate those who have been contacted for a free leak investigation engage with them to resolve potential leaks.
There is information on the scheme, along with lots of easy-to-follow water-saving tips on their website. To report a leak 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 Updates page.