Despite heavy rainfall water schemes in Mayo face demand issues

DESPITE recent rainfall, Irish Water says that 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 conservation order was due to the exceptionally dry spring, the driest for 70 years in some parts of the country, according to Met Éireann.

Irish Water lead Gerard Greally says: “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.

“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.

“There are number of sources around the county which are being continuously monitored, particularly the ground water sources,” he added.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Mayo County Council, would like to thank the public for their cooperation and the efforts made to conserve water in their homes and gardens over the last few weeks and appeal to them to continue supporting their efforts in safeguarding water for essential uses.

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