Demand for water is up 25% in some parts of Cork.

Cork County Council has echoed the calls made by Irish Water for the public to reduce their water usage as demand increases in the heat. According to the council, demand for drinking water has increased by up to 25% on many supplies across Cork.

As there has been a sharp production in rainfall during the heatwave, the current situation is being described as “unsustainable.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the council name-checked specific localities and areas that are being asked to use less water. ”

“All supplies across the county are seeing increased demand, particularly in the west and north of the county. The households, farms and businesses served by public water supplies in West Cork are asked to reduce water usage as much as possible,” the statement read.

“Particular schemes under the most pressure at present include the Clonakilty Regional Scheme, serving Rosscarbery across to Timoleague and Courtmacsherry and all areas in between, including Clonakilty itself. Similarly, we are appealing for water conservation efforts in Bantry, Durrus and Kilcrohane.

“In the north of the county, we would particularly ask the communities, farms and commercial users in the areas of Kilbrin, Freemount, Liscarrol, Milford, Mountnorth, Cecilstown, Newmarket and Kanturk to also reduce water use as much as possible.”

In general, Irish Water, Cork County Council and Cork City Council advise the following steps:

– Take a shorter shower and save up to 10 litres of water per minute
– Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home
– When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute
– Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden
– Avoid using paddling pools
– In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots
– If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
– Report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278.