Uisce Éireann has started work on a major project to repair a vital water main that supplies almost a third of the drinking water for the greater Dublin area.
The main pipeline connects the Ballymore Eustace water treatment plant and the Saggart Reservoir.
According to Uisce Éireann, Dublin and Wicklow may experience disruptions to water supplies on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 August, including low pressure, discoloured water or no water at all.
While up to 5,000 customers in Naas and the surrounding area will be without supply from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday.
As the project progresses, Uisce Éireann will work to minimise the impact on customers whilst essential repair work is carried out.
Customers can help avoid water outages for themselves and others by using less water.
This planned work is required to repair a section of the pipeline that is likely to rupture if not repaired urgently.
An unplanned rupture of this pipeline would result in unplanned and widespread water outages that could take weeks to repair and would affect up to 1.7 million people.
The greater Dublin area is heavily dependent on this major pipeline, which carries 220 million litres of water (80 Olympic swimming pools) every day.
It supplies about a third of the GDA’s drinking water needs. The pipeline is over 25 km long and about the height of an average adult.
During a pipe inspection, we used innovative technology to determine that there is a greater risk of pipe breakage.
Urgent repairs are now required to ensure supply to the greater Dublin area.
Stephen Burke of the Irish Uisce Éireann expressed how important the project is for securing the water supply in the Dublin area:
“Uisce Éireann has identified that this section of the water main is at risk of bursting and that if repairs are not carried out, there is the potential for significant disruption to customers.”
“Due to the size, age and location of the pipeline, this is a complex and challenging project.
“In order 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.
“Specialized teams will work day and night to complete repairs as quickly as possible and restore normal water supplies.
“However, there may be a risk of widespread supply disruptions during these works and for some period thereafter.
Stephen added: “We are appealing to customers in the Greater Dublin area to conserve water to help maintain water supplies for everyone while critical repairs are carried out.
“Water flowing through this vital 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 avoid water outages for themselves and others by using less water.
“We will keep customers updated and advise of any potential supply disruptions while we carry out these important repairs.
“The situation on the ground is being closely monitored and Uisce Éireann will inform customers as early as possible of the location and duration of any prolonged impacts.”
“Good practice is that most households and businesses have on-site water storage facilities to provide a backup source of water for sanitation purposes. Uisce Éireann advises customers to familiarise themselves with their storage capacity.
“The Uisce Éireann customer care line is available 24 hours a day on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries.
“For updates please visit the Water Supply Updates section at www.water.ie or our dedicated website https://wtr.ie/8z9lup
