Uisce Éireann has appealed to the public to help safeguard water supplies following particularly low overall rainfall levels last month and an earlier than usual start to the wildfire season - as demonstrated by wildfires in Co Mayo last weekend.
It has also shared some simple water conservation tips.
Met Éireann data shows monthly rainfall levels during March were significantly below their long-term average at every synoptic weather station nationwide.
For instance, Dunsany in Co Meath, and Ceann Mhása in Co Galway, both registered their driest March in official records.
Ballyhaise in Co Cavan had its driest March since 1953. Gurteen in north county Tipperary had its driest March since 1961.
Meanwhile, Dublin Airport had its driest March for 35 years.
It was only the second time that March rainfall totals at every single weather station was below the long-term average.
The other time this occurred was thirteen years ago, in March 2012.
On that occasion however, the dry march experienced was followed by the wettest Irish summer on record in 2012.
On this occasion, however, with water supplies and capacity in the Greater Dublin Region already on a knife-edge, Uisce Éireann is becoming concerned.
The water utility is asking for people to take action to avoid wasting water to give it the best chance of protecting supplies as the summer approaches.
In a statement, Uisce Éireann said demand for treated water continues to rise each year as new homes and businesses are delivered.
This demand increases further when there are prolonged periods of warm, dry weather.
Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann said the public utility would welcome any support the public can provide by doing whatever they can to reduce water use.
She referred to a high and increasing demand in a number of supplies around the country, including those serving the Greater Dublin Area, as well as some areas of Westmeath, Donegal, Limerick, Kilkenny and Wexford.
"In response, we have been ramping up our leakage detection, pipe repair, and other network management activities to help offset this demand," she said.
"We will continue to monitor the situation around the country and take measures to manage supplies as we go into the summer months."
Uisce Éireann said simple actions, such as taking a shorter shower, placing a basin in the sink and fixing leaking taps can all make a significant impact.
It added that this is also a good time for people to spot any underground leaks outside their home or business.
Signs of such leaks may include persistent moisture in areas of the lawn or driveway, even during dry weather.
Uisce Éireann's 'first fix free' scheme provides for a free leak repair on private property where such a leak is identified.
Uisce Éireann’s water conservation tips for households:
Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes.
Don’t let the tap run: Brushing your teeth with the tap running can use up to a staggering 6 litres per minute. Brushing your teeth with the tap off will use a more modest 1 litre of water.
Shower vs. Bath: The average bath uses 80 litres of water compared to an average shower using 49 litres in seven minutes. Switch your bath to a shower for a massive water saving.
Less time: With the average shower using 7 litres of water per minute by turning your five-minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to 7 litres of water per day!
Fully loaded: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machines are fully loaded. A modern washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water per cycle while a dishwasher uses 20 litres. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water, but you will also reduce your energy bills.
Don’t flush it all away: A third of all water used in the home is flushed down the toilet. Some larger cisterns can continue to work effectively with a smaller flush. Place a displacement device into the cistern (out of the way of moving parts) to save water.
Uisce Éireann’s water conservation for business:
Conduct a water audit to see where savings can be made.
Appoint water stewards who will champion water conservation.
Invest in water efficient devices and appliances such as dual flush toilets, mixer taps and low flow showers.
Raise awareness amongst customers and employees with water conservation notices and signage.
