Households urged to save water as temperatures rise

Homes in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have been urged to save on water as temperatures are set to rise this week.

NI Water has urged people to "give the sprinkler and hose a summer break" in their garden, when demand rises for drinking, cooking, washing and keeping families and pets hydrated.

Irish water service Uisce Éireann has asked people to save water in both their homes and gardens, where they can.

Nighttime restrictions are now in place on 13 water supplies in the Republic of Ireland out of more than 700 nationwide as a "precaution", mainly affecting parts of counties Kilkenny, Tipperary, Donegal, Cork and Meath.

The heat has been building since the start of this week with temperatures peaking at 26C on Tuesday in County Down.

Similar temperatures are expected for the rest of the week and over the coming weekend, increasing the prospect of an official heatwave being declared.

But, it's in the Republic where temperatures are expected to climb highest with thermometers reaching into the high 20s, and possibly around 30C.

A heatwave can be declared when 25C is recorded in the same location for at least three consecutive days.

The heat this week comes with no rain in the forecast for at least at one week, putting pressure on water supplies as people use more water, for example, on their gardens.

NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: "Using sprinklers or hosepipes on lawns can use a lot of water very quickly, and much of it can be lost through evaporation in hot weather.

"By leaving lawns alone, using a watering can for any plants that genuinely need it and making the most of rainwater where possible, we can all help make every drop count this summer."

It added that saving water in the garden is a simple way to reduce demand during the busiest summer periods when demand rises.

Uisce Éireann said in many parts of the country, including Greater Dublin, water is being used faster than it can be replaced.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann said restrictions on water use are "only used where needed to protect local supplies and reduce the risk of more serious disruption later on".

She said checking homes were leak free, only running washing machines and dishwashers when full, not using a hose, not leaving the tap running and choosing a shower rather than a bath is a help.

She also said she wanted to remind people that "reservoirs are not safe places to swim," and those who wish to swim should go to a beach with a life guard or designated swimming area where it is safe to do so.

High levels of UV are also forecast with the Public Health Agency recently advising of ways to protect skin and eyes from harmful damage.

Hay fever sufferers are also advised of high, and at times very high, levels of pollen in the next week.