Dublin runs low on water

Water pressure has had to be reduced today and for the forseeable future as levels in the reservoirs get dangerously low. The main reason is that people have been leaving their taps running during the cold snap in order to prevent pipes freezing. While the treatment plants are operating at record capacity they simply cannot keep up with demand.

The Water network is not like an electrical grid where supply can be switched around. For technical reasons the supply cannot be turned off and on as some pressure must be maintained in the system. Unfortunately reduced pressure means that some areas at higher elevations receive no supply at all.  See the Councils press release.

PRESS RELEASE

Fingal County Council Water Supplies Critical - 7pm Monday 11th January

- Throttling restrictions must continue

- Public supply not cut off

- Some residents without water due to low pressure

As a result of record breaking peaks in water usage across Dublin in recent days, reservoirs in the Fingal County Council area are at a critically low level. In order to recharge water storage and return to normal supply levels, Council Engineers are currently “throttling” water supplies across the whole county. Throttling means reducing the volume of water going into the network from the reservoir.  

Although the public water supply is not cut off, some customers are suffering reduced water pressure or a complete loss of water as a result of throttling. Areas worst affected today include most of Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Clonsilla, Oldtown, The Naul, Donabate, Rush, Lusk and parts of Balbriggan. 

The Council has allowed extra water into the public supply this evening to alleviate water shortages but water restrictions will have to continue until our reservoirs return to normal levels. Water tankers may be deployed in the coming days if water is unavailable for long periods of time.  Details of tanker collection points and times will be published on www.fingalcoco.ie and on Aertel P624. 

Fingal County Council is urgently appealing to water consumers to conserve available water supplies as we do what we can to allow reservoirs to recharge.  Supply restrictions will have to continue while levels remain low.

Residents across Fingal are especially asked NOT TO LEAVE TAPS RUNNING as this wastes vast quantities of water

For further information please contact:

Florence White – Communications Officer, Fingal County Council

ENDS 11/01/10