RAIN has returned for the weekend but Donegal families have been urged to conserve water.
The plea was issued by Irish Water in a direct appeal to homes across the county, particularly for the bank holiday weekend but also for “the weeks ahead”.
Areas like Buncrana, Ballybofey, Kerrykeel, Letterkenny, Milford, Ramelton and Stranorlar were identified as regions of concern and asked to self-impose hosepipe bans.
A spokesperson for the commercial semi-state body urged locals households to implement water-saving measures at “home, in the garden, and at work”.
He said: “Households are asked to leave the hose and power-washer in the shed. Use a watering can to water the garden, instead of a hose.”
He added: “Uisce Éireann is reminding communities across Donegal to conserve water.
“There is high demand in Buncrana, Ballybofey, Stranorlar, Milford, Letterkenny, Kerrykeel, Ramelton in recent days.”
Met Eireann has forecast rain for Donegal over the bank holiday weekend, but temperatures could still reach 21C, according to the national weather service.
A Met Eireann spokesperson said for today (Friday): “Any lingering patchy rain and drizzle will clear, to leave a largely dry day with plenty of sunny spells developing. Highest temperatures of 16C to 21C degrees.”
Uisce Éireann, the updated name for Irish Water, has now highlighted the need for water conservation in Donegal.
It has asked households not to use hose and power-washers, check for leaks, fix dripping taps, fully turn off the tap, don’t brush your teeth with the tap running as it can use up to six litres per minute, take showers instead of baths, and only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
The Uisce Éireann spokesperson said: “As the dry weather continues, Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers across Co Donegal to conserve water and protect their water supply.
“Customers can help reduce their usage by adopting simple water saving practices at home, in the garden, and at work.
“In particular, customers in Buncrana, Ballybofey, Stranorlar, Milford, Letterkenny, Kerrykeel, Ramelton, and surrounding areas are being asked to be mindful of their water usage to ensure they continue to receive a normal supply.
“With the recent spell of warm and dry weather, we have witnessed an increase in demand for water on supplies across Co Donegal.
“High water usage can lead to reduced pressure, which may impact supply to customers.
“It also places additional strain on our raw water sources, such as rivers and lakes.”
The company asked: “We are appealing to all our customers to make a special effort to conserve water over the June bank holiday weekend and in the weeks ahead.
“I’m asking them to consider their water usage and reflect on the daily and easy actions they can take to play their part in ensuring our water resources are used wisely and in a way which benefits not only your own household but also the wider community.
“We encourage customers to be mindful of their water use to help maintain stable supplies for homes, businesses and essential services.”
Customers are asked to report any visible leaks on the public network to Uisce Éireann by calling 1800 278 278 or on the water.ie website.