Demand was over five million litres higher than supply on Wednesday night in Dublin alone.
Irish Water have stated that over 100 water supplies around the country are now at risk due to hugely increased demand thanks to the current heatwave.
Over the last 24 hours in the Greater Dublin Area, demand reached 615 million litres, but Irish Water can only sustainably and safely produce 610 million litres of water per day.
This huge increase in water demand has depleted raw water reserves for the coming months, and there are concerns that the current high temperatures and low rainfall may continue well into Autumn.
Irish Water have stated that customers in Kilkenny, Longford, Athlone, North Galway, Louth and Kerry are already experiencing restricted water supplies, as well as water outages in some cases, while customers in Cork, Wicklow, Limerick, Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary, Clare, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, Limerick, Kerry, Waterford and Offaly have been identified as being at risk.
Irish Water’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Kate Gannon said:
“We have a long way to go. If the drought is prolonged, water restrictions would become unavoidable if demand does not continue to drop. Irish Water are appealing to the public to be continue to be mindful of their water usage. Every effort someone makes in their home or business impacts their neighbour and community. Irish Water have lots of tips for conserving water in the home, garden and business on water.ie.
“Irish Water are also currently assessing all legal options open to us and how they could be implemented. Our first priority is to work with customers and support them as they conserve water but we will have to use legal measures if necessary.
“The situation remains critical and we are continuing to seek the public’s help. Every effort the public make to conserve water will help to minimise risk of supply loss to them and their community.”
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