Dubliners facing night-time water restrictions

Water restrictions will be in place across Dublin from tonight as engineers work to fix a treatment problem at a water plant in Kildare.

Dublin's four local authorities say householders may experience a loss in pressure or in some cases a loss of supply.

"The reason for the restrictions is due to a serious production problem at our Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant, which has caused a significant reduction in water production since last weekend," a statement from Dublin City Council said.

"Prior to this, we had introduced reductions in water pressure during the night in an effort to replenish storage levels, but this did not achieve the desired effect.

"We are working assiduously to identify the cause of the problem and to mitigate the effects, but it may take some time to completely resolve the issue.2

Dublin City Council is reassuring people that their is no problem with the quality or safety of the drinking water.

Restrictions will run from 8pm to 7am each night and will affect householders in all local authority areas across the capital.

"We have a very serious situation," said Dublin City Council Engineer Michael Phillips.

"We have a problem with the water in that our treatment plant has difficulty treating it, and until that problem resolves itself these restrictions will remain in place.

"That means do not use the dishwasher or washing machine unless they are full, turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth, do not fill the kettle and reduce the use of power showers if you can."

Restrictions are likely to remain in place until at least next Monday, November 4, and will be reviewed on a daily basis.

- More information on Dublin water restrictions

- Tips on saving water