This article is from page 11 of the 2013-07-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
THE heat wave and drought of the last two weeks looks let to give way to thunderstorms and flash flooding in parts of the county later this week.
A thunderstorm warning has been issues for Clare and a number of counties in Connaught – with downpours likely to lead to localised flash flooding when and if they strike. With top soil compacted as a result of 17 rain-free days and extreme temperatures, any large downpour will run straight off the land – creating flash flooding in local areas.
While rivers across the county are currently at some of their lowest levels in recent history, a sudden over- load of rain and debris could block storm drains and prevent an extreme surge of rain water from reaching rivers.
The River Fergus was yesterday recorded at its lowest level since 1995 and the River Inagh in Ennistymon has run completely dry – leaving the towns famous cascades silent.
Clare officially entered drought condition on Saturday, July 20, following 15 days without rain. Clare County Council are appealed to consumers to restrict their use of water to essential purposes following a huge increase in demand for water since the dry spell began.
“Conservation is being urged not because of a shortage of rainfall but due to the surge in demand for water,” said senior engineer, Paul Mo- roney.
“This becomes a problem where demand exceeds the amount of water being produced by the county’s public water supplies. Every reduction, no matter how small, will contribute to maintaining supplies and your cooperation is appreciated.”
While Clare County Council have not introduced a hose-pipe ban, as was introduced by Galway County Council and Tipperary North County Council, they have urged customers to conserve and avoid washing cars, leaving taps running and watering lawns.