THE heatwave has reduced water stocks in Donegal to perilously low levels with night-time restrictions now in place for a full week.
Five separate water supplies in the county have been identified as at-risk by Uisce Eireann.
Hundreds of families across 16 affected towns and villages are set for significant disruption, provisionally until July 21, it is claimed.
The national water utility company attributed high demand and burst mains to the water shortage.
High demand and burst mains have been attributed to the water shortage.
A spokesperson said: “Uisce Éireann is continuing to manage water supplies across Donegal as warm weather, sustained high demand, and a significant number of burst mains across the network continue to impact treated reservoir levels in some areas.
“Restrictions remain necessary in a number of locations to protect daytime supplies and allow treated water reservoirs to recharge.
“As part of these measures, overnight restrictions on some of the county’s water supplies will continue for the next seven days.
“Uisce Éireann crews are continuing to respond to burst mains and actively monitor water supplies across the county.
“We’re currently seeing water being used faster than it can be treated and replenished in some areas.
“This is placing significant pressure on reservoir levels and making restrictions necessary to protect daytime supplies for customers.
“Restrictions will remain necessary for at least the next week as we work to restore reservoir levels and stabilise supplies across the county.
“Our teams are monitoring reservoir levels and network conditions daily and will review these measures on an ongoing basis.”
AFFECTED AREAS
The list of affected areas are An Craoslachh, Dún Fionnachaidh, An Fál Carrach, Ardeelin, Carrickfad, Convoy, Crossroads, Doire Chonaire, Gort an Choirce, Lifford, Port Nua, Machaire Uí Rabhartaigh, Raphoe, Ros Beag, Rossgier, Rossnowlagh.
Families served by the Lough Mourne Water Supply Zone in Crossroads, Convoy, Lifford, Raphoe, and Rossgier face disruptions between 8pm and 8am.
Homes in Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach, Machaire Uí Rabhartaigh, Doire Chonaire are attached to the Gort an Choirce/ An Fál Carrach Water Supply and have overnight restrictions from 10pm to 7am.
The Port Nua and Ros Beag areas under the Leitir Mhic an Bhaird Public Water Supply are restricted from 10pm to 7am.
For An Craoslachh and Dún Fionnachaidh, restrictions are between 10pm and 7am, while the Ballyshannon Public Water Supply areas of Rossnowlagh, Ardeelin, and Carrickfad are also affected from 10pm to 7am.
Water conservation has been urged during the warm weather.
Uisce Eireann issued tips to conserve water:
• Drop the hose: Use a rose-head watering can over a hose or sprinkler. Aim for the roots. Water plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation.
• Take short showers instead of a bath: Reducing your shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute. A typical bath uses 80 litres.
• Turn off the tap: Not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to six litres a minute. Keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinks.
• Fill up your appliances: Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full load.
• Fix dripping taps: A single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year.
• Use a basin in the sink: Use a basin when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plants.
• Clean the car with a sponge: When washing your car, avoid the hose and use a bucket and sponge instead.
• Install a water butt: Use it to collect rainwater from your gutters for gardening or washing the yard.
• Pick plants wisely: Opt for low-water plants like lavender or olive trees. Established plants and lawns often don’t need watering unless there’s a drought.
• Lock in moisture: Add bark or plant material to flower beds to prevent evaporation or use gel beads in pots to keep roots hydrated