The showers might have arrived across parts of Galway over recent days . . . but water restrictions seem likely to stay in place in parts of the county for at least the next couple of weeks or so, according to Uisce Éireann (Irish Water).

Uisce Éireann confirmed to the Connacht Tribune that 24 of the 711 water treatment plants nationwide are currently experiencing ‘drought conditions’ including parts of Connemara and Inis Oírr on the Aran Islands.

“Night-time restrictions and/or pressure reduction have been put in place to protect supplies. Such restrictions allow reservoir levels to recover overnight and maintain a consistent supply of drinking water for customers during the day,” Uisce Éireann said in a statement this week.

Affected areas in Connemara include Tully, Lettermore, Carna, Cill Ciarán, Carna, Rosmuc and Inis Oírr while last week the water authority also advised of restrictions in the Ballinasloe and Mid-Galway schemes from 11pm to 7am.

Uisce Éireann’s Tom Cuddy said that by making simple adjustments in daily water usage – such as avoiding powerwashing, checking for leaks on outdoor taps or troughs – everyone could contribute to conserving water.

“We are beginning to see the impact of the long spell of dry weather on some supplies around the country.

“With no significant rainfall forecast in the short term, we can all play our part in ensuring there is enough water for everyone as we go through the summer. Even small changes can make a significant difference,” said Tom Cuddy.

Irish Water has also advised customers to go online at www.water.ie/calculator to pick up tips on water conservation and to report any visible leaks to www.water.ie

Meanwhile, between 20 and 25 customers, in the Carnaun area of Galway – between Turloughmore and Athenry – are currently having long-term supply issues reviewed by a team of engineers from Galway County Council.

Local councillor David Collins told the Connacht Tribune that these customers had been having supply problems since last November.

“It’s often been a case of no water or just a trickle in the taps for these people for the past six months or so. Last week the Council engineers visited the area to prepare a report for Uisce Éireann.

“We’re all hoping that the situation can be resolved as quickly as possible – as well as the problem for households, farmers are also in difficulty in terms of getting a reliable water supply for their animals,” said David Collins.

Last week, Inland Fisheries Ireland also confirmed the suspension of salmon angling at the Galway Fishery in Galway city and the Moy Fishery in Ballina, due to thermal stress problems in those waterways.

Barry Fox, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), said that over the past week, water temperatures had exceeded 20°C leading to thermal stress problems for freshwater fish species such as salmon and trout.

“Salmon need cold and clean water to survive and thrive. Low water volumes and high-water temperatures can lead to fish kills, as there is less oxygen in the water to allow them to breathe.

“We must now implement our cessation of angling protocols at the Moy and Galway fisheries to protect salmon. It will take some time before water conditions at both locations will revert to normal for the month of June. We will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis before reopening the facilities,” said Barry Fox.

He also asked anyone who encountered distressed fish, fish kills, illegal fishing or pollution, to contact IFI’s 24/7 number on 0818-347424 or by email at: info@fisheriesireland.ie  Those with bookings on the Galway Fishery can contact 091 562388, or email: matt.varley@fisheriesireland.ie.

Met Éireann are predicting that the hot and humid conditions will persist over the weekend with the risk of heavy or thundery downpours in place – temperatures at times could touch the mid-20s or even a tad higher in inland areas. There is a strong chance of more unsettled conditions through next week.