Water shortages feared across much of Westmeath

Uisce Éireann has issued an appeal today (Tuesday) for people to conserve water in certain parts of Westmeath.

The appeal was issued in relation to those supplied by the Mullingar Regional Public Water Supply Scheme - which also serves a number of areas in the middle and south of the county, including Moate, Ballymore, Kilbeggan and Horseleap.

Uisce Éireann said it was issuing the appeal "as a result of ongoing low water levels in Lough Owel, which supplies the Portloman water treatment plant serving over 50,000 customers in Mullingar and surrounding areas."

It added that the situation had arisen due to "significantly reduced rainfall" in recent months.

Jim Fitzgerald, Regional Operations Senior Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, said: "The local community will have noticed that water levels in Lough Owel remain lower than usual for this time of year.

"This is due to significantly reduced rainfall over the past six months.

"While it may often feel like Ireland gets plenty of rain, the data shows we’ve experienced an unseasonably warm and dry autumn and winter in the Midlands.

"As a result, the lake has not had its usual seasonal recharge, and we are heading into the summer months with lower-than-average water levels.

"In response, we have increased our efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management. We're also working closely with local stakeholders to help protect the water supply."

The Mullingar Regional Public Water Supply serves Mullingar town and its surrounding areas, as well as the communities of Ballynacarrigy, Moyvore, Ballymore, Moate, Rathowen, Streete, Rathconrath, Killucan, Coralstown, Kinnegad, Milltownpass, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan, Ballinagore, Gaybrook, and Horseleap.

Mr Fitzgerald urged people living in the affected areas to be mindful of their water usage.

"Even small changes—like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, only running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads and fixing a leaking tap can make a meaningful impact and help reduce the pressure on the lake," he stated.