Householders throughout the Dublin region are expected to suffer quite severe reductions in water pressure over the next four weeks because of major works designed to boost water production for the capital.
"Water consumers can expect to experience reduction in water pressure and some problems with supply," Dublin Corporation warned yesterday. Mostly, this will be at night-time, but it may also happen during the day.
The Corporation has introduced a water management regime for the period to mid-March. Certain areas of the city will be at higher risk at certain times - the north-east and south-west on odd dates and the north-west on even dates.
The south-eastern sector of the city will experience "periodic reductions in water pressure" and other areas, such as Dun Laoghaire, Fingal, South Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow will also experience their share of water supply problems.
All seven local authorities in the Dublin region have spelled out how each area will be affected in advertisements in today's newspapers. However, they stress that it is necessary to facilitate vital works to the system.
Since 1995, as a result of unprecedented growth, there has been a major increase in the demand for water. All water production and treatment plants are operating at full capacity to produce the 100 million gallons used daily.
Major civil engineering works are needed to upgrade water mains, filters, pumping stations and treatment plants. Water levels in reservoirs have to be increased to allow the works to proceed, so there is a need to conserve water.
Mr Tom Leahy, deputy city engineer, said Dublin Corporation was appealing to everyone in the region to assist by using less water. "If everyone in the city used 10 per cent less, it would have a significant effect," he added.
"People can help by not letting taps run and only running washing machines and other appliances (such as dishwashers) on full loads. Automatic flush systems should be turned off at night and any leaking taps repaired."
The aim of the programme is to increase water production by 10 per cent to 110 million gallons a day.
