HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU CONSUME?

Kilkenny County Council is supporting IRISH WATER in asking the public to conserve water. With people adhering to government advice and staying at home since mid-March in response to the COVID-19 crisis, there has been a significant increase in household water usage.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

TIPS FOR CONSERVING WATER AT HOME

* Keep a jug of water in the fridge.
Instead of letting the tap run when waiting for cold
water, fill a jug of water and keep it in the Fridge.
* Use a basin to rinse/clean your fruit and vegetables. Instead of letting the tap run, use a basin to rinse/clean your fruit and vegetables and you can use the leftover water to give your potted plants a drink.
* Use a bucket of water not a hose. A hose uses more water in one hour than the average family uses in a day. The car will be just as clean using a bucket of water. Always use a bucket and sponge to clean windows or wash your car instead of a hose.
* Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes. If you see a leak in a public place, please report it to us at the details below immediately.
* Only use your applicances when they are full. A washing machine on full cycle uses up to 65 litres of water, dishwashers 20 litres. Only use your appliances when they are full. You'll conserve water and save money by reducing your energy bill.
* Turning the tap off when brushing your teeth can
save over 7,000 litres of water per year.
* Reduce the time you spend in the shower. A regular shower will use about 35 litres of water in 5 mins. But be aware a power shower will use over 125 litres in the same time.
* Fill the kettle with enough water for your needs.

TIPS FOR CONSERVING WATER IN THE GARDEN

* Grass can survive for long periods without water and will quickly recover when the next rain showers arrive. Raising Lawnmower blades to a higher level will help stop grass from scorching in warm weather. Leaving he clippings on the lawn protects roots and returns nutrients to the soil.
* If you must water your plants, do it in the early morning or evening when it's cooler. Forget the hose and always use a watering can.
* Recycle your green kitchen waste in a compost bin. Compost provides valuable nutrients and helps retain moisture in the soil.
* Don't use a hose when cleaning paths, patios and driveways. Use a shovel and brush instead.
* Using mulch such as wood chips, bark or gravel will help prevent water evaporation and will suppress weed growth saving water and the need for weeding. These are especially valuable for shrubs, flowerbeds and new plantings.
* Rainwater is excellent for your garden. Collect it from your gutters but always make sure to securely cover large containers for safety.
* Regularly weed and hoe your garden, to ensure that
watering helps your plants and not your weeds.
* Regularly check your outdoor taps, pipes and plumbing fixtures for leaks.
* Use a basin in your sink to collect and reuse water for your garden plants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
IRISH WATER CONTACT DETAILS:
WEB: WWW.WATER.IE TWITTER: @IRISHWATER
TELEPHONE: 1850 278 278 (LOCALL)
MINICOM: 1850 378 378
(FOR HEARING IMPAIRED CUSTOMERS WITH MINICOM EQUIPMENT)
POSTAL ADDRESS: IRISH WATER, PO BOX 860, SOUTH CITY DELIVERY OFFICE, CORK CITY