Thousands face start of 2011 without water

TENS of thousands of families have been told to face the prospect of starting the new year without running water after authorities conceded they are struggling to overcome the latest weather crisis.

County and city councils made the grim announcement last night as the water shortage difficulties linked to thawing conditions continued to cause havoc for households.

Officials in Dublin, Kildare, the Midlands, Kilkenny, Sligo, Limerick, Cork and Kerry, among others, have warned that reservoir water levels and pressure remain critically low while demand has increased dramatically.