Rural households urged to conserve water as dry spell continues
Group Water Scheme members are asked to reduce unnecessary water use to help protect local supplies
The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) is urging members and rural communities in Mayo to conserve water as prolonged dry weather continues to put pressure on drinking water supplies.
Several weeks of warm temperatures and below-average rainfall have led to a sharp increase in water demand, making it more difficult for some group water schemes to replenish reservoirs and maintain normal supplies.
NFGWS Chief Executive Mark Farrelly said households, farms and businesses can all play a role in protecting local water resources by using water wisely during the current dry spell.
The organisation says higher demand is being driven by increased household use, garden watering, outdoor cleaning and greater water requirements for livestock during the current hot weather episode.
To help reduce pressure on supplies, the NFGWS is encouraging people in Mayo to fix leaking taps and pipes, avoid non-essential water use such as power washing and filling paddling pools, use watering cans instead of hoses, check livestock drinking systems for leaks, and report public water leaks to their local group water scheme.
The federation said community-owned water schemes rely on the cooperation of all members and that small changes in water use can make a significant difference in safeguarding supplies throughout the summer.