Co Tipperary households are being urged to reduce the amount of water they use, following a noted increase in domestic usage since the public was first asked to stay at home.
Domestic metering data collected by Irish Water has recorded a 20% increase in water usage since February, equating to an additional 27 litres of water per person, per day.
The utility company has pointed out that although non-domestic water usage has fallen recently, these businesses will need additional water to clean and flush their systems, refill tanks and carry out deep cleans when restrictions are eased.
‘prioritise handwashing over powerwashing’
With water treatment plants already working to their maximum capacity (alongside the fact that domestic usage represents two-thirds of Irish Water’s business), Irish Water is appealing to the public ‘to prioritise handwashing over powerwashing’ and to conserve water where they can.
Irish Water has outlined some simple measures that the public can take:
- Stopping the use of powerwashers at home
- Using a watering can rather than a hose in the garden
- Taking showers over baths
- Fixing any dripping taps where it is possible to do so.
There is advice and guidance for homes, businesses and farms, including information on how much water you can save with simple measures on water.ie/conservation.
