Irish Water appeals to customers in Mayo and Roscommon to check for leaks and turn off taps

Irish Water is asking customers throughout Mayo and Roscommon to check for leaks and help maintain supplies.

In recent days, Irish Water has seen a noticeable increase in water usage on the network and is reminding householders and businesses to report leaks on the public network via www.water.ie or by calling 1800 278 278.

Last week’s cold snap and the subsequent thaw increased the number of burst pipes, causing increased pressure on water supplies across both Mayo and Roscommon.

Freezing water expands and strains the pipes until they crack or burst, not only impacting older, weakened pipes but also modern pipes that are laid in shallow ground and vulnerable to temperature drops.

Irish Water crews, working in partnership with Mayo and Roscommon County Councils, are on the ground identifying and repairing leaks to maintain essential water services.

Operations lead with Irish Water, Ger Greally, appealed to customers to check for leaks and report them immediately.

“While our raw water reservoirs and sources are full at this time of year, demand for water has increased and is putting pressure on the supply of treated water in our storage reservoirs. Irish Water crews are on the ground in Mayo and Roscommon, working with the local authorities to maintain supplies. We’re asking customers to turn off taps and check for leaks.”

Customers can also do their bit to help avoid expensive repairs and a disrupted water supply at home or in their business by taking a few easy, preventative measures.

“We are constantly monitoring the levels of our reservoirs across both counties. However, some homes and business may experience low water pressure or loss of supply due to a combination of increased demand and burst water mains. To protect and maintain supply while we conduct repairs, we are asking customers to assist us by checking 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.”

The Irish Water customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and there is lots of advice on being winter ready on Twitter (@IrishWater).