'Save water' call as scorcher to hit

'Drought status' warning as counties under watch

- SEAN MURPHY

THE forecasted blast of heat has already ignited calls for water conservation amid fears of imminent hosepipe bans.

Uisce Eireann, the new name for Irish Water, explained the “significant water shortage” is due to “drier than normal” conditions over autumn, winter and spring.

The public is asked to use watering cans instead of hoses, have showers instead of baths, and only use dishwashers and washing machines when they are fully loaded.

Margaret Attridge, who is Uisce Eireann’s head of water operations, urged households to “really consider” their water usage.