Uisce Éireann (UE) has started work on a major project to repair a vital water pipeline that supplies almost a third of the drinking water for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
The main pipeline connects the Ballymore Eustace water treatment plant and the Saggart Reservoir.
Customers in Dublin and Wicklow can expect water supply disruptions, including low pressure, discoloured water or no water at all, on Tuesday 13 August and Wednesday 14 August 2024.
Up to 5,000 customers in Naas and the surrounding area will be without power from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday.
Customers in Arthurstown, Tipperkevin, Rathmore and surrounding areas will also be affected by a water outage from 8pm on Monday 12 August for a period of 24 hours.
As the project progresses, Uisce Éireann will work to minimise the impact on customers whilst essential repair work is carried out.
According to UE: “Customers can help avoid water outages for themselves and others by using less water.”
“This planned work is necessary to repair a section of the pipeline that is likely to rupture if not repaired urgently.”
UE added: “An unplanned rupture of this pipeline would result in unplanned and widespread water outages that could take weeks to resolve and affect up to 1.7 million people.”
“The GDA is highly dependent on this major pipeline, which transports 220 million litres of water (80 Olympic swimming pools) every day.
“It supplies about a third of the GDA’s drinking water.”
“The line is over 25 kilometers long and about as tall as an average adult.
COMMENTS
“During a pipe inspection, we used innovative technology to determine that there was a risk of a large pipe burst.”
“To ensure we can maintain supply to the greater Dublin area, urgent repairs are now needed,” the EU concluded.
Stephen Burke of UE commented on the importance of the project for securing water supplies in the Dublin area: “Uisce Éireann has identified that there is a risk of this section of the water main rupturing and that if repairs are not carried out, there may be significant disruption to consumers.”
“Due to the size, age and location of the pipeline, this is a complex and challenging project.
“In order to be able to carry out this work and keep the impact on the water supply as low as possible, we have made extensive planning and preparations in advance.”
He continued: “Specialized teams will work day and night as quickly as possible to complete the repairs and restore normal water supplies.”
“However, there may be a risk of widespread supply disruptions during these works and for some period thereafter.
“We appeal to customers in the GDA to conserve water in order to maintain water supply for all during the critical repair work.
“The flow of water through this important pipeline will be shut off during this time.
“Uisce Éireann has prepared for this by ensuring that all of our treated water reservoirs are as full as possible.
“However, consumers can do their part and help prevent water outages for themselves and others by using less water.”
Mr Burke concluded: “We will keep our customers updated and advised of any supply disruptions while we carry out these important repairs.”
The EU added: “The situation on the ground is being closely monitored.”
“Uisce Éireann will notify customers as early as possible of the location and duration of any prolonged impacts.
“In line with best practice, most households and businesses have on-site water storage facilities to provide a backup water source for sanitation purposes.”
The organisation added: “Uisce Éireann advises customers to familiarise themselves with their storage capacity.”
UE’s customer care hotline is available 24 hours a day on 1800 278 278. Customers can also contact UE with any questions at X @IWCare.
For up-to-date information please visit the Water Supply Updates section of www.water.ie or https://wtr.ie/8z9lup.
ALTERNATIVE DELIVERIES
Customers in Kildare will be able to access alternative water supplies from 10am to 5pm on Tuesday 13 August at the following locations:
- Rathmore Youth Centre
- Neustadt am Rübenberge
- Walshestown
- Áras Chill Dara
The EU has also stated that customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil the water before drinking as a precaution.
