Warning that water supplies are in drought status across several counties including Cork 

Uisce Éireann said warm weather was increasing pressure on supplies in several regions, including Cork

Running a hose for just one hour uses as much water as a family would typically need in an entire day. File picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

Uisce Éireann has launched a national appeal to the public to conserve water, as it emerged supplies are now in drought status across several counties following a drier-than-normal autumn, winter and spring.

As the country is set to enjoy a long spell of warm weather, the water utility revealed the network was already experiencing increased pressure on supplies across several regions, including Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Donegal, Meath, Westmeath, and Wexford.

"While Ireland experiences high levels of rainfall annually, much of this water is lost due to old water infrastructure that has suffered from historic under investment," a spokesperson said. 

"This highlights the need for investment in our water networks and also compounds the need for water conservation."

Its tips to the public include:

• Leave the hose in the shed: Use a rose-head watering can to water plants instead of a hose or sprinkler. Running a hose for just one hour uses as much water as a family would typically need in an entire day;
• Bucket and sponge for your car: Using a bucket and sponge to wash your car can save hundreds of litres of water compared to using a hose or power washer;
• Turn off the tap: Brushing your teeth with the tap running wastes up to six litres of water per minute. Turning it off while brushing can reduce that to just one litre;
• Switch to a shower: Showers use about half the amount of water as baths. Invest in water saving appliances such as water-efficient taps and shower heads;
• Shorter showers: With the average shower using seven litres of water per minute, turning your five-minute shower into four minutes could save up to seven litres of water per day.
• Fully load your appliances: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before use. A typical washing machine uses about 65 litres of water, and a dishwasher uses about 20 litres per cycle. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water, but you will also reduce your energy bills.

While the warmer weather is certainly a welcome change, it does place additional demands on our water supplies. That is why we are asking people to join us in making small changes in their own daily routine to help conserve water. 

"Simple steps can have a big impact in helping to maintain water reserves. Whether it is using a watering can in the garden, or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, every individual action counts, and all adds up to making a positive contribution to benefit everyone,” said Uisce Éireann’s head of water operations Margaret Attridge.