TWO months after the end of a lengthy boil water notice residents in Lettermacaward are facing further supply headaches.
Irish Water is advising customers in the area that night time restrictions are essential to maintain a daytime flow.
The authority, working with Donegal County Council, said that following “operational difficulties” at its treatment plant and a noticeable increase in water usage on the network, restrictions will be in place from 8pm each night until 7am until further notice.
The curtailments came into force on Thursday evening.
Irish Water said it can take two to three hours following restrictions for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas, especially for customers on higher ground or at the end of the network.
The problems are the latest to hit homes on the Lettermacaward public supply.
In August locals were told that a boil water notice was being introduced, again arising out of operational difficulties at the Lettermacaward treatment plant.
The boil water guidance was announced to protect the health of around 2,200 customers in the Lettermacaward, Portnoo, Rossbeg, Cleangort, Doochary, Meenacross, Dooey, Glenties Road, Maghery and Falmore areas.
It remained in place until October 24 when it was finally lifted.
Irish Water’s Operations Lead Seamus O’Brien said the latest restrictions were necessary to allow reservoir levels to recover and to ensure homes and businesses have a normal daytime supply.
He appealed to the public to continue their efforts to conserve water and check for leaks.
“Irish Water understands the inconvenience these restrictions may cause. The cold spell earlier this month increased the number of frozen water pipes and bursts causing increased demand on water supplies across the region. I am appealing to customers to check for bursts and overflowing troughs on their own properties and turning these off where they are found. We are also asking customers to check unoccupied and empty premises.”
Mr O’Brien added that customers can report leaks on the public network on the website www.water.ie or by calling Irish Water’s customer team on 1800 278 278.
During the daytime hours Irish Water is also appealing to customers to conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and reducing the use of dishwashers and washing machines where possible.
The Irish Water customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also make contact through Twitter @IWCare.
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