Approximately 60,000 people across the country have no water this lunchtime where supplies have been impacted by Storm Éowyn. Supplies for a further 500,000 people are at risk.
The number of people without water is likely to increase over the course of the day as the widespread power outages at treatment plants and pumping stations continue to impact on supplies.
The impacts are being felt nationwide, with large areas without water across Tipperary, Longford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Carlow, Kilkenny and Galway.
Updates on local supplies issues will be provided on the Úisce Eireann website, www.water.ie, as they become available.
Uisce Eireann repair crews have commenced restoration works in areas where the status red weather warning has been lifted. We would like to thank all those who are supporting our efforts to restore normal water supplies including the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, local authorities, the ESB, Civil Defence and other agencies for their support and advice.
Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann Margaret Attridge is warning that service disruptions may last a number of days for some households and businesses, “This is an unprecedented storm event that has had a severe impact on our water and wastewater network nationwide. We are still assessing the full extent of the disruption to supplies. Our crews will work around the clock where it is safe to do so to restore water service as quickly as possible, but given the extent of the damage, it may take some time before full service is restored everywhere. We ask for the public’s continued patience during this challenging time.”
Margaret Attridge is also urging customers to conserve water, “In areas where supply has been disrupted, most properties should have adequate storage in their attic tanks for hygiene purposes for at least 24 hours. However, customers are urged to conserve water where possible in order to protect supply while the outages are resolved. There are some simple steps people can take to conserve their water, such as avoiding the use of water-intensive appliances during this time. “
