Harsh water restrictions for County Clare

Members of the public in affected areas have been advised to avoid washing cars and watering lawns as well as check for any leaks on their property and not to use hosepipes.

They have also been asked to reduce the use of power showers, turn off taps when brushing teeth and to only use washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded.

Land owners have also been urged to check outbuildings, water toughs and general plumbing with landlords of vacant premises requested to turn off stopcocks.

Water supplies in some areas will actually be suspended during certain periods in an effort to conserve resources.

Tulla will see a cut-off between 9pm and 7am while further cuts are expected to be announced in Ennis and North Clare.

Water supplies are administered by the county council.

David Timlin, director of services at Clare County Council, said: “Rainfall during the first half of 2010 has been unusually low. As this trend continues, levels of lakes and ground water are now getting very low, impacting directly on water supply sources.

“In the meantime, we are asking landowners and public and business consumers to use water as sparingly as possible.”

On a more positive note, Meanwhile, a precautionary water boil notice affecting consumers in the Ballyvaughan area of North Clare has been lifted.

Sam Bond