The aftermath of Storm Éowyn has left a profound impact on Ireland. As numerous emergency crews work tirelessly to restore power to almost a million affected homes and clear the debris from fallen trees and damaged structures, communities are coming together to support one another. The storm, which brought record-breaking winds and widespread destruction, has prompted a swift and coordinated response from group water schemes, local authorities, state agencies and many volunteers, highlighting the resilience and solidarity of those effected.
The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) is actively liaising with the ESB, water treatment plant operators, local authorities, and individual group water schemes to address ongoing issues. The sector has been significantly impacted by the lack of power and communication networks, which has hampered water production. Despite these challenges, the dedication and tireless efforts of volunteers and staff have been remarkable. Approximately 15 group water schemes remain without any power effecting 1,600 homes. However, many other group water schemes are still utilising generators to supply water to their local communities, limiting their ability to operate full at full capacity. NFGWS CEO, Mark Farrelly said:
‘As electricity is restored in affected areas, these GWSs and treatment plant operators are working to return to full operations. For those in areas without electricity but still with a water supply, we urge GWS members to make every effort to conserve water. The hard work of GWS volunteers, staff, and contractors over the past week cannot be overstated. We’d also like to express our sincere thanks to the local authorities, GWS plant operators, the ESB and Uisce Éireann for the assistance they are providing to the sector.”
Water conservation
Water conservation efforts are especially important in group water schemes where supply has been restored, as it is crucial to allow time for reservoirs to replenish and full supply pressure to be achieved. We also ask GWS members to be vigilant for any possible leaks, as network infrastructure can be susceptible to leaks after outages, impacting water availability. For specific inquiries related to group water scheme supplies, please contact your local group water scheme directly and follow its guidance.
Visit our water conservation section for further 22 water conservation tips to help maintain supply.
Additional notes
Group water schemes (GWSs) are community-owned and community-operated drinking water supplies. There are over 380 GWSs across rural Ireland, serving almost 200,000 people. The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) is the umbrella organisation for the GWS sector. It’s the representative body for the sector and provides mentorship and guidance to the individual group water schemes.