Water Conservation

Baltimore,Co.Cork

We are surrounded on all sides by water but this does not mean it is in infinite supply.Conservation is the only way to preserve our most precious resource.

Baltimore,Co.Cork

Baltimore,Co.Cork

We are surrounded on all sides by water but this does not mean it is in infinite supply.Conservation is the only way to preserve our most precious resource.

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We need to conserve our water resources to ensure sustainability for future generations. Water conservation requires governments, local authorities, industries, the agricultural sector and homeowners to get involved in the process. It has to be a combined effort to preserve our largest natural resource.

In Ireland, the umbrella organisation, SWAN (Sustainable Water Action Network) was created to increase public awareness regarding the need for sustainable water supplies. This group is comprised of sixteen national and fourteen regional / local partners and its aim is to preserve Ireland's waters through cooperative work between the government, these partners and the Irish community as a whole.

Dublin City Council (DCC) has created an easily accessible information portal about conserving water in your own home. Educating our children about this issue is as important as educating ourselves.

Water is also the third theme in the Green Schools programme after Litter and Waste and Energy. For more information go to the Green Schools Ireland website.

What Can You Do?

In Ireland 1.6 billion litres of water is produced daily and distributed across the country to different communities through 60,000 kilometres of pipelines. The most common cause of water loss is through leaks in customer properties as well as the distribution network (EPA, 2019).

Did you know that the average person uses 200 litres of water a day? 

This figure includes drinking water, water used in a washing machine/dishwasher, the water used when taking showers or baths, and water for flushing toilets.

This is the equivalent of nearly two full baths of water!

Minor adjustments in our daily activities at home and in the garden can help make a difference. It doesn't have to cost money; it just takes a little bit of time and effort.

• Try not to use dishwashers and washing machines until they are completely full
• Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth or shaving;
• Have showers instead of baths
• Have shorter showers
• Store a jug of water in the fridge instead of waiting for it to cool from the tap
• Plug the sink when washing dishes
• Use a basin to wash fruit and vegetables
• Make sure nothing is leaking and if it is, fix it!
• To water your garden use a watering can not a hosepipe
• Use a bucket and sponge to wash your car
• Brush your path instead of hosing it.

That Little Bit Extra

Water Conservation Measure for Older Toilets

Water Conservation Measure for Older Toilets

© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Water Conservation Measure for Older Toilets
© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Water Conservation Measure for Older Toilets

Water Conservation Measure for Older Toilets

© Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

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If you are willing to make the extra effort you can do the following things to make water a top conservation priority in your daily life:

• Install a low flow shower head
• In older toilets a water saving device can be installed
• If you are installing a new toilet make sure it is low or dual flush
• If you are buying a new dishwasher / washing machine check the water efficiency rating

For more information about what you can do check out the following websites:

https://www.epa.ie/livegreen/water/

www.slowtheflow.ie

www.water.ie 

Future Water Charges

Irish Water has declared that it will start to inform householders of its implementation of excess water use charges in autumn 2019. Full implementation of the charges will not commence until the 1st of January 2021. These charges will apply to anyone that uses excess water that receives water or waste water services from Irish Water.  Irish Waters new Connection Charging Policy commenced on the first of April 2019 and details can be found here and in the Water Services Policy Statement report 2018 - 2025.