New water conservation laws announced

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, has announced that businesses across the country could face possible fines for wasting water.


Subject to the new water conservation regulations businesses will be held responsible in the event of water leakage due to unrepaired pipes or wastage and excessive consumption of water, as a result of poor management.

The laws bring into effect Section 56 of the 2007 Water Services Act, which allows local authorities to ‘prohibit or restrict’ the use of water during periods of drought or shortage.

“It will be an offence to contravene an order prohibiting or restricting water use and provision is made for penalties, including on-the-spot fines, for non-compliance with any order in force,” Mr Gormley maintained.

Business owners could face fines of up to Euro 5,000 if they don’t comply with the new water conservation measures.

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