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Customers avail of ‘First Fix Free' with Irish Water

August 24th, 2016 11:50 AM

By Southern Star Team

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Leakage of water from the network is a serious problem on a national scale and that is reflected in Co Cork, according to Irish Water.

LEAKAGE of water from the network is a serious problem on a national scale and that is reflected in Co Cork, according to Irish Water.

Lost water is estimated at 47% nationally, based on figures from the national metering programme, with those figures rising to 48% for County Cork.

 Figures just released to the end of March this year have shown that 1,560 householders in Cork city and county took up Irish Water’s ‘First Fix Free’ scheme as the utility responsible for the country’s water and waste water management urges more householders to avail of the free service.

 Irish Water’s First Fix Free scheme launched in early 2015 across all metering regions in Cork and throughout the country. To the end of March, 75,974 properties were identified with customer side leaks, 9,434 of which were found in Cork.

 In 2014 it was estimated that water leakage levels could be as high as 49%. This figure was based on limited data, estimated customer use and varying methods of calculating leakage around the country. 

To avail of the scheme, customers must have a confirmed leak on their external supply pipe; have water meter installed on their property (so the leak can be verified), and have a working and accessible inside stop valve.

Irish Water’s Water Conservation Strategy specialist Kate Gannon welcomed the number of householders in Cork who are availing of First Fix Free, while encouraging greater uptake of the scheme.

 ‘Leakage of water from the network is a serious problem on a national scale and that is reflected here in Cork and 9,434 households here will have already received a letter indicating a potential leak on their property and these householders should contact Irish Water, if they haven’t done so already, to request a free investigation. 

‘I am urging any customers who have received a letter, or who may be aware of a leak within their property boundary outside of their home, to get in touch with Irish Water,’ she added. 

For more see water.ie 

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