Builders, Kingspan have said the latest round of imposed water shutdowns in Dublin and other areas is further proof that the Government needs to make rainwater harvesting compulsory in new build projects, and also offer an incentive to existing homeowners to retrofit it.

"It is incomprehensible that large parts of Ireland will suffer water shortages in the coming days because of the current cold spell," said Alan Wright, a Director of Kingspan Water.

Kingspan said there wouldn't have been a water shortage if more homes had rainwater harvesting technology installed.

"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 home owners much less in water bills," he added.

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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," added Mr Wright.

"This is not a new problem. It is the umpteenth time in recent years that a local authority in a large urban area has had to ration, or shut down the water supply to homes," said Mr Wright.

"This Government has focused much of its efforts in recent years on promoting energy efficiency in buildings and has neglected continued calls to improve the water efficiency of our building stock."

Wright said making the change would be simple. "All the Government would have to do is change the building regulations to include rainwater harvesting in all new build projects, and also to support a retrofit programme on existing buildings through a grant scheme similar to the ones on energy efficiency operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland.

"Minister Gormley made massive strides in improving the energy efficiency of new homes and he can do the same for water efficiency."

(CD)