WARNING: Water supplies in Kilkenny low after recent dry spell

IRISH Water is urging people in Kilkenny to be mindful of their water consumption as local supplies have been affected by the recent dry spell.

The lack of rainfall has caused a drop in water levels in a number of sources around the city and county.

Irish Water said in a statement: “Irish Water and Kilkenny County Council are working together to monitor these supplies and maintain water supply for homes and businesses in the area. We are also working with our contractors to find and fix leaks in the network.”

James O’Toole, Water Lead for Kilkenny, said: “Rainfall levels during the winter were lower than normal which has meant that sources have not recovered as much as they should have following the unprecedented dry summer last year. As a result we are seeing big drops in water levels in some of our sources, including Bennettsbridge and other areas in the city and county.”

He added: “We are working with our partners in Kilkenny County Council to manage this situation so that the impact on our customers can be kept to a minimum. This may include considering overnight restrictions in some areas in order to maintain normal supplies during the day. Details of any restrictions will be notified to local media and posted on the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website.

“In the meantime, we are also asking people to do whatever they can at home, at work and on the farm to reduce their water use and avoid wastage so that existing supplies can be maintained and to minimise water use as the summer approaches. There are lots of water saving tips on the Irish Water website at www.water.ie/conservation.”

Irish Water said Kilkenny householders can conserve water by:

• Choosing to have a shower rather than a bath;
• Have shorter showers;
• Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving;
• Checking all external taps and farm trough for leaks;
• Using water butts to harvest rainwater for use on the garden.