Night-time restrictions now in force for Bantry's water supply

NIGHT-TIME restrictions have been imposed on water consumers in Bantry, due to ‘demand outstripping supply’, Irish Water said this week.

The utility is appealing to customers supplied by the Bantry scheme to make ‘every effort possible’ to conserve water, as water levels are ‘extremely’ low. 

Demand is exceeding supply and, combined with the extended dry weather period, the sources for these water supply schemes are coming under increasing pressure, Irish Water said this week.

There is now a reduced supply in the following areas from 11pm until 7am: Coorycommane, Ardnagashel, Townlots, Milleenacoola, Caherdaniel West, Caherdaniel East, Drombrow, Raheen Beg, Newtown, Dromdoneen, Dunnamark, Caher, Gurteenroe, Reenydonegan, Laharan West, Lahadane, Carrigboy, Dromacappul, Cappanavar, Lough Deveen, Shandrum More, Gouree More, Dromdaniel, Gortagarry, Ballylickey, Barnagearagh, Dromkeal, Dromduff West, Dromduff East, Cooryleary, Mill Little, Snave.

‘This will continue as we review the situation over the coming days,’ said a spokesperson.

Irish Water and Cork County Council are also taking measures to alleviate pressure, through reducing the water demand, monitoring water sources and reviewing possible alternative water sources. 

Night-time restrictions are also being implemented and a ‘big emphasis’ is being placed on finding and fixing leaks to reduce any water losses through the water supply networks. 

“Find-and-fix leakage crews have been mobilised to try to identify and fix leaks. Large water users are also working with Irish Water and Cork County Council to reduce their water consumption where possible at this time,’ a spokesperson said.

Local communities are being asked to check for internal leaks within homes and to fix any dripping taps or leaking toilets. ‘If the local communities notice any leaks in these areas, please notify Irish Water and Cork County Council, so that the find-and-fix crews can investigate. Any measures taken to reduce consumption, no matter how small, will help in terms of replenishing water supplies,’ they add.

Irish Water has also thanked Cork County Council crews who are continuously managing water supplies during this drought period. 

As a result of the unprecedented dry spell, it will take sustained rainfall over many weeks and even months to replenish raw water levels in rivers, lakes and groundwater sources and treated drinking water levels in storage reservoirs, said Irish Water.  Leaks can be reported 1850 278 278 or on the Irish Water website.