Caution urged over water leaks

IRISH WATER and Wexford County Council are asking home and business owners across the county to check for leaks and to conserve water as much as possible while adhering to public health advice on hand washing and hygiene regarding Covid-19.

A spokesperson for Irish Water said there was a steady increase in demand over the Christmas period, with a spike in the last few days, following the recent cold spell.

As a result of recent sub-zero temperatures and the subsequent thaw the water network experienced a higher than normal number of leaks.

‘While these essential repairs are underway across Wexford, we are asking customers to check for leaks, be mindful of their water use, and to only use what they need,’ said the spokesperson.

Brian O’Leary, Irish Water’s Regional Operations Lead, spoke about the current situation in County Wexford and said work is ongoing to address bursts across the network.

‘We are currently addressing bursts across the network with our partners in Wexford County Council but we are also appealing to homes, businesses and those responsible for unoccupied buildings to check for leaks whilst adhering to current public health regulations and advice’ said Mr O’Leary.

He also advised people to turn off water where it’s not needed and to check outside pipes which may have developed leaks as a result of the recent freezing temperatures.

Any leaks on the network should be reported to the County Council or to Irish Water.

‘We are also asking the public to conserve water where possible and to only use what they need,’ said Mr O’Leary.

‘Safe, clean, treated water is not in unlimited supply and we all have to play a part in conserving it for essential use,’ he added.

He also said those responsible for unoccupied properties need to check for leaks and turn off water where it is not required and said advice is available at www.water.ie

To report a leak to Irish Water contact 1850 278 278.