Hosepipe ban extended nationwide as hot weather squeezes water supplies

Ireland's water utility, Uisce Éireann, is extending its hosepipe ban to every county as hot weather continues to strain water supplies. The Water Conservation Order, initially implemented last week for specific areas, will now apply nationwide from just after midnight on Friday until August 26. This measure is among the most extensive water conservation efforts by Uisce Éireann, impacting all households.

The order prohibits the use of hosepipes for activities such as washing cars, watering gardens, and filling paddling pools. The prolonged period of warm and dry weather, combined with below-average rainfall, has led to exceptionally high water demand. This has placed significant pressure on both raw water sources and treated drinking water supplies, with several groundwater sources showing signs of stress and reduced yields.

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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.

Uisce Éireann emphasizes that these restrictions are necessary to ensure adequate water for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, and other essential services in the coming weeks. The utility is also urging the public to conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and avoiding unnecessary usage. They note that using a garden hose for just one hour can consume as much water as an average family uses in a full day. Night-time water restrictions are already in place for 53 public water supplies facing severe pressure.

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I want to thank everyone who has taken steps to