Uisce Éireann launches new text service for more than 42,000 households in Waterford

Uisce Éireann has launched a new text alert service which allow more than 42,000 households across Waterford to receive water supply updates and information.

Research carried out by IPSOS B&A on behalf of Uisce Éireann shows that almost three quarters of its customers want to hear about water services with over half of businesses indicating they are interested in being regularly notified. 

The free text alert system will be the first time that all of Uisce Éireann’s customers will be able to sign up and receive notifications for their area.

The service provides customers with details of supply interruptions that are expected to last longer than four hours. It will also include details on planned and unplanned outages and boil water notices should they be needed to protect public health. 

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Previously, only vulnerable customers and business customers have been able to avail of a Text Alerts service, with the service now extending to all.

A new easy to use process means customers can quickly sign up by inputting their Eircode and mobile number via the Uisce Éireann website.

Commenting on the roll out of the new Text Alerts system, Geoffrey Bourke, Head of Customer Operations at Uisce Éireann said: “As Uisce Éireann carries out its day-to-day operational work and maintenance alongside a billion-euro worth of capital investment each year, we are aware that these works can have short-term impacts on water services to our customers. This Text Alerts service along with our current supports including the dedicated online outage portal means homes and businesses are kept fully up to date on what to expect and when".

Mr Bourke added that in the past year, the utility had more than two million interactions with customers via a range of channels including phone calls, texts and emails.

“From our research, while over half of customers are aware of who to contact in the event of a water outage, we are committed to ensuring that all are fully aware and have information provided in an ease of access manner. 

“We are confident that the roll-out of this new service will play a crucial role in driving even more awareness of our work in communities across Ireland to deliver a clean, safe and reliable water supply. The service is easy to use, and I encourage people to avail of it.