Demand for drinking water has increased by up to 25% on many supplies across Cork. At the same time, due to the dry weather and high temperatures, our water source levels are dropping. Irish Water, together with Cork City Council and Cork County Council, is working hard to maintain supplies. The current extra demand, combined with reduced capacity, is not sustainable. We are appealing to everyone across the county to be mindful of this and reduce water consumption as much as possible.

All supplies across the county are seeing increased demand, particularly in the west and north of the county.

The households, farms and businesses served by public water supplies in West Cork are asked to reduce water usage as much as possible. Particular schemes under the most pressure at present include the Clonakilty Regional Scheme, serving Rosscarbery across to Timoleague and Courtmacsherry and all areas in between, including Clonakilty itself. Similarly, we are appealing for water conservation efforts in Bantry, Durrus and Kilcrohane.

In the north of the county, we would particularly ask the communities, farms and commercial users in the areas of Kilbrin, Freemount, Liscarrol, Milford, Mountnorth, Cecilstown, Newmarket and Kanturk, to also reduce water use as much as possible.

Everyone can contribute and the combination of effort will greatly help our ability to provide continuous a water supply to all. There is guidance and tips for conserving water available on www.water.ie.

Small changes can have a significant impact, for example:

• Take a shorter shower and save up to 10 litres of water per minute
• Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
• When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
• Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden
• Avoid using paddling pools
• In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
• If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
• Report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278.

With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public are reminded to adhere to public health and HSE advice, and handwashing and hygiene remain critically important.

Further water conservation information is available on the Irish Water website www.water.ie/conservation

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