A Dublin-based company has called on the Irish Government to avoid future water shortages by making rainwater-harvesting compulsory for all new build projects.

Kingspan Water said there would not have been a water shortage in Ireland in the last few weeks if more homes had rainwater harvesting technology installed

"It is incomprehensible that large parts of Ireland are suffering water shortages after the record levels of rainwater that have fallen in the last three years," said Charles Burns, Commercial Director of Kingspan Water.

"Homes would have been able to use the free rainwater for toilets which can use between 3-7 litres for just one flush. It would mean much less pressure on the mains water supply, and would cost homeowners less in bills when water charges are introduced.

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"It is only when people suffer the loss of water at home that they begin to realise what a valuable commodity it is, and how we all take it for granted."

According to Mr Burns, it would be very easy for Environment Minister John Gormley to make the change.

He continued: "All the Government would have to do is change the building regulations to include rainwater harvesting in all new build projects. Minister Gormley made massive strides in improving the energy efficiency of new homes and he can do the same for water efficiency."

"Suggestions by policy makers to solve the shortage by piping the river Shannon, or putting a whole new water system in place for Dublin are too costly and far fetched in the extreme. Whereas introducing regulations on rainwater harvesting would benefit the environment and the consumer and should happen without delay," he concluded.

Kingspan Water is part of the Kingspan Group - a leading manufacturer of sustainable products for the construction industry.

(NS/GK)