Uisce Éireann extends Water Conservation Order nationwide

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a Water Conservation Order will be extended to all counties from 00:01 Friday, 24 July until Wednesday, 26 August.

The order extends the existing Order already in place for Dublin, South Tipperary and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow.

The extended Order will apply to all households and is being extended because raw water sources in many areas around the country are coming under increasing pressure following a prolonged period of exceptionally hot and dry weather.

Met Éireann’s extended range forecast indicates that temperatures are expected to remain above average and rainfall below average in the period ahead.

Several groundwater sources are now showing signs of stress, with reduced or no yields being experienced in a number of areas.

Nighttime restrictions are also currently in place on 53 of 700 water supplies mainly in areas where local sources are under pressure.

The Order prohibits the use of a hosepipe or similar apparatus for activities such as watering a garden, cleaning a private motor vehicle, cleaning a private leisure boat, filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool, filling or maintaining a domestic pond, excluding fish ponds, and filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain, except where required for commercial purposes.

Uisce Éireann continues to take all measures to keep water flowing by maximising production, repairing leaks, tankering water and operating the network to minimise outages and protect supplies.

In recent weeks, Uisce Éireann introduced a number of measures to maintain and protect supplies, including enhanced leakage repair works, pressure management, and public water conservation campaigns, in an effort to reduce demand to sustainable levels.

Uisce Éireann would like to thank customers for their continued water conservation efforts.

Anthony Skeffington, Water Regional Operations Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann said:

“We are asking everyone to use only what they need and to avoid any non-essential water use until conditions improve. Early indications show that people are supporting the Water Conservation Order already in place, with water usage in the Greater Dublin Area beginning to decrease.

"I want to thank everyone who has taken steps to conserve water. This is making a difference, but pressures remain high and we are now asking people across the country to continue reducing non-essential use."

Mr Skeffington added: “Every drop counts. Continued support from the public will help reduce pressure on supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs.”

Uisce Éireann also asks the public to report any leaks they see on the public network which may be visible in the dry conditions by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or on Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water) | Water Utility | Uisce Éireann

Further updates and water conservation advice are available at water.ie/conservation.