Island’s water restrictions will run through summer
THE rains of Storm Floris may have come and gone since last Monday – but the water usage restrictions on the smallest of the Aran Islands look set to continue for the rest of the tourist season.
Since mid-April, Uisce Éireann has introduced night-time restrictions on water usage in Inis Oírr and on Friday last they confirmed that they continue to remain in effect.
According to a statement issued by Uisce Éireann, the water usage restrictions, which are in place each day from 11pm to 7am, ‘are essential to protect reservoir levels and to safeguard the island’s daytime supply’.
Uisce Éireann are also asking customers in the Aran Islands to ‘be mindful about how they use water with some simple conservation measures a big help’ in terms of reducing demand on the supply.
Tony Kelly of Uisce Éireann said that simply turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, or shaving, can save up to six litres of water per minute.
“Taking a shower instead of a bath, or using a watering can rather than a hose when gardening, can also make a big difference in water use.
“We are also encouraging people with responsibility for properties that are currently unoccupied to check for leaks and turn off water where it is not required,” Tony Kelly added.
Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann also confirmed on Tuesday that the ‘Do Not Consume’ notice on the Tully/Tullycross Public Water Supply remains in effect.
The notice came into effect on Thursday, July 24 last, for just over 400 customers, due to high manganese levels in the supply.
Caption: Flashback…this sign from a business on Inis Oírr last year.
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