Despite recent rainfall, Irish Water says the number of schemes in drought around the country has increased from 35 to 37, and the ones in potential drought has grown from 52 to 59 since the start of the Water Conservation Order on June 8.

Supply fears remain despite heavy rainfall

Irish Water says that currently the Belturbet Public Water Scheme, which serves a population of 1,705, has ‘potential drought’ status.

Published: Wed 24 Jun 2020, 9:03 AM

Last updated: Wed 24 Jun 2020, 9:04 AM

Despite recent rainfall, Irish Water says the number of schemes in drought around the country has increased from 35 to 37, and the ones in potential drought has grown from 52 to 59 since the start of the Water Conservation Order on June 8.

The need for the Water Conservation Order was due to the exceptionally dry spring, the driest for 70 years in some parts of the country, according to national weather forecasting service, Met Éireann.

“Unfortunately short periods of rainfall, such as those we have experienced last week, are not sufficient to return raw water sources to normal levels. 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,” says Irish Water Lead, Peter Gallagher. “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 says that currently the Belturbet Public Water Scheme, which serves a population of 1,705, has ‘potential drought’ status.

Belturbet is supplied by the River Erne, which despite recent rainfall, continues to remain very low at present.

But Irish Water maintain that there is “no immediate threat” to the water supply to Belturbet.

As first revealed by The Anglo-Celt, the semi-State utility provider is continuing to monitor the situation saying, if necessary, “appropriate steps” will be taken to secure the water supply to the area.

This includes the possibility of sand-bagging the river in order to stem the flow to ensure supply.

They add: “All other supplies in the County are being monitored but are not under immediate threat.”

Irish Water, working in partnership with Cavan County Council, concluded by thanking the public for their cooperation and the efforts made to conserve water in their homes and gardens over the last few weeks.

They also appeal to the public to continue supporting in safeguarding water for essential uses.

More information can be found on our website at https://www.water.ie/support/drought-support/