Uisce Éireann has begun repairing a key water main linking the Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant and Saggart Reservoir, which supplies a third of Greater Dublin's drinking water.

These planned works are necessary to repair a section of the pipeline that is likely to burst if not fixed urgently. An unplanned burst on this pipeline would result in unplanned and widespread water outages that could take weeks to repair and affect up to 1.7 million people.

The Dublin area relies on this large pipeline, which transports 220 million litres of water daily—equivalent to 80 Olympic swimming pools—and supplies about a third of the GDA's drinking water. Stretching over 25 km and roughly the height of an average adult, the pipeline was flagged for potential major bursts during a survey using advanced technology by Uisce Éireann.

Stephen Burke, Uisce Éireann, said: "Uisce Éireann has identified that this section of water main is at risk of bursting and causing major disruption for customers, unless repair works are carried out. This is a complex and challenging project due to the size, age and location of the pipe. Extensive planning and preparation has taken place in advance to enable us to carry out these works and minimise impact on water supplies. Specialist teams will work as quickly as possible through the night and day to complete the repairs and restore normal water supply. However there may be a risk of widespread supply interruptions while this work is being carried out and for a period of time afterwards.

-- Advertisement --

"We are appealing to customers in the Greater Dublin Area to conserve water to help maintain everyone’s water supply during the critical repair works. The water running through this major pipeline will be turned off during this time. Uisce Éireann has prepared for this by ensuring all of our treated water reservoirs are as full as possible. However, customers can play their part, and help to avoid water outages for themselves and others, by using less water.

"We will keep customers updated and informed of any potential supply disruptions while we carry out these essential repair works."

Due to the ongoing work, customers in Dublin and Wicklow may experience water supply disruptions, including low pressure, discoloured water or no water, on Tuesday 13 August and Wednesday 14 August 2024.

Up to 5000 customers in Naas and nearby areas will have no water on Tuesday from 9am to 5pm. Uisce Éireann will work to minimise disruptions during the repairs. To help avoid outages, customers are encouraged to use less water.