Water restrictions again as Irish supplies run low

In January this year a cold spell led to restrictions across Clare.

And again last week Clare County Council was forced to ask the public and business to follow a ‘series of urgent water supply conservation measures’ introduced as a result of the prolonged dry spell of weather.

A spokesman said: “Rainfall during the first half of 2010 has been unusually low. If this trend continues, levels of lakes and ground water are likely to become low, impacting directly on water supply sources.”

The local authority says the following measures should also be observed:

-Avoid washing cars as much as possible – use a bucket rather than a hose.

-Avoid watering lawns.

-Use a basin in your sink to collect and reuse water for gardens.

-Don’t use a hose when washing down driveways, walls, etc – use a bucket and brush.

-Check your plumbing system for leaks, and have them rectified.

-Only run your washing machine or dishwasher when it has a full load.

-Don’t leave the tap running when washing your teeth.

-Reduce the use of power showers – a power shower can use 125 litres of water in 5 minutes.

Luke Walsh