Restrictions have been implemented to help recover the levels at the Killenaule Reservoir in Co Tipperary.

Irish Water and Tipperary County Council introduced nighttime restrictions from 8pm last night, 20 December, until 7am this morning.

These restrictions are necessary following a noticeable increase in water usage on the Fethard Regional Scheme.

The following locations will experience reduced water pressure or full disruption to their supply: Killenaule town, Ballynunty, Glengoole, Gortnahue, Knockboy, Kilrush, Ballysloe, Mellison, Bord na Mona factory road and all surrounding areas. It can take two to three hours following restrictions for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas. 

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Operations Lead with Irish Water, Colin Cunningham said: "Irish Water understands the inconvenience the restrictions may cause. The nighttime restrictions are necessary to ensure a daytime water supply is available for residents and businesses for hygiene and other essential purposes. During the daytime, we are appealing to customers to help conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and to postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible. Irish Water crews are on the ground, working in partnership with Tipperary County Council, to maintain supply and we are asking customers to turn off taps and check for leaks. Further information on water conservation is available on the Conservation section of our website."

The sub-zero temperatures of last week increased the number of frozen water pipes and bursts, causing increased demand on water supplies across the region. Freezing water expands and strains the pipes until they crack or burst, not only impacting older, weakened pipes but also modern pipes that are laid in shallow ground and vulnerable to temperature drops.