Hosepipe ban must be backed

THE hosepipe ban is proof, if it were needed, that the sunny spell threatens our most precious commodity – water

A temporary bar on using the tool on your garden or filling up a paddling pool is a common sense measure and it’s only right we are responsible and use supply sparingly.

With demand in Dublin at 10% above normal on Thursday and 6% above yesterday -at 607 million litres – that is unsustainable.

It is expected Irish Water will roll out restrictions to other parts next week and it is important we all support the move.

Customers in Waterford, Galway, Kerry, Westmeath and Offaly experienced supply cuts and it is appalling some of the families affected have little or no water in their homes.

And the dry spell is also causing concern for farmers as drought-like conditions can be disastrous.

The agricultural industry is hoping there is some persistent rainfall soon.

Met Eireann has said sporadic showers will fall in the south west on Sunday and Monday but that appears to be the most rainfall we can hope for during the next 10 days.

Irish Water said it is monitoring water supplies and working with local authorities around the country.

Lets hope the current restrictions will ease the crisis and it will be a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.