Council warns water supplies under extreme pressure over leaks

LIMERICK County Council warned yesterday that water supplies were coming under extreme pressure as a result of burst pipe leaks and increased demand.

The council said heavy rainfall and a rise in temperatures have led to a thaw in many parts of the county. The local authority has urged customers to conserve water to the maximum extent possible but added that interruptions in supply were inevitable over the coming days. Among the areas currently experiencing difficulties with supply are Caherconlish, Oola, Carrigmore, Doon, Newcastle West, Mountcollins, Abbeyfeale, Foynes and Ballyhahill.

Donal Brennan, senior engineer, said: “Customers throughout the county can expect interruptions in supply over the coming days. Council crews are continuing their efforts to maintain supplies and the public are asked to promptly repair any leaks within their premises. We will continue to ensure disruption to public water supplies is kept to a minimum and supplies are restored as soon as practicable.”

Limerick County Council is continuing to provide water at static standpipes in various locations. Limerick City Council, meanwhile, has received hundreds of distress calls from home owners without water.

Senior executive engineer John O’Shaughnessy said: “There have been problems all over the city which is why we have had to set up water collection points in a number of locations in every part of the city. There is water on everybody’s road, the mains are fine. It’s just with the individual connections there have been problems.” He said the shortage had brought out a great community spirit across the city.

Mr O’Shaughnessy said: “One kind gentleman came to one location with a trailer loaded with containers for all his neighbours.”