The current water shortage in Dublin is a result of not having domestic water metering in place, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Last month, the Minister for the Environment announced that legislation for domestic water metering would be introduced early in 2010, but did not indicate a proposed pricing structure or delivery date. Dublin Chamber calls for swift movement on the introduction of domestic water metering so citizens appreciate the level of supply they receive and its true cost.

In the immediate term, Dublin Chamber is calling on all businesses to encourage their staff to conserve water both at work and at home.

“The prolonged cold weather has resulted in damaged and broken water mains right across County Dublin, leaving water levels at a critically low level,” says Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive. “But rather than conserving the treated water we have, a select number of people are choosing to run their taps continuously. This situation must stop immediately or right across Dublin every business and household will experience reduced water pressure, or receive no water supply at all.

“Commercial water charges ensure that businesses are acutely aware of the value of treated water. What the recent spell of cold weather has shown is that this understanding needs to be instilled right across the board. In the longer term, water metering must be introduced in every domestic premise with a price structure that encourages the conservation of treated water. In the shorter term, we call on all employers to highlight to their staff the challenges facing Dublin’s water supply, and encourage their staff to exercise restraint and reduce their demand for water both at work and at home.”

Steps to conserve water:

• Do not leave taps running to combat the threat of frozen pipes.
• Report any water problems to your local authority.
• Only use water when necessary, and in the quantities necessary, by:
• Only using washing machines when you have a full load;
• Only using dish washers when absolutely full, or not at all;
• Taking a shorter shower;
• If you have a modern toilet flush facility use it properly;
• Do not leave the tap running when brushing your teeth;
• Do not leave your tap running before filling your kettle; and
• Only flush the toilet when necessary.