A wee drop: Parts of Kilkenny remain in drought despite recent rain – Irish Water

You’re not going to believe this but despite recent heavy rainfall, Irish Water says that the number of schemes in drought around the country has actually increased from 27 to 38.

An the ones in potential drought has grown from 50 to 58 since the start of the Water Conservation Order on June 8.

Four locations in Kilkenny remain in or face potential drought, Irish Water says.

“Unfortunately short periods of rainfall, such as those we have experienced last week, are not sufficient to return raw water sources to normal levels,” Irish Water Lead James O’Toole says.

“There are a few schemes in drought and potential drought across Carlow and Kilkenny. In Kilkenny, Gorteen is in drought with Radestown, Jamestown and Graiguenamanagh/Coolroe are in potential drought.

“In Carlow, the Hacketstown and Bilboa schemes are in potential drought with the Raheenleigh supply in drought.

“A minimum accumulation of 100mm rainfall and a return to normal precipitation levels thereafter would be needed to offset the impact of the unseasonal lack of rainfall since March.

“We are keeping the situation under continuous review and are liaising closely with other key agencies such as Met Éireann, the OPW, the EPA, amongst others and if the situation improves we will consider lifting the Water Conservation Order. However any change is unlikely in the short term.

“Irish Water would like to thank the public for their cooperation and the efforts they have made to conserve water in their homes and gardens over the last week and to appeal to them to continue supporting us in safeguarding water for essential uses.”