Hosepipe ban extension may be considered - Uisce Éireann

Ireland's water utility, Uisce Éireann, is contemplating an extension of the nationwide hosepipe ban, which is currently set to expire on August 26. The ban, implemented on July 24, restricts the use of hosepipes for non-essential activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, and filling paddling pools, aiming to conserve dwindling water supplies.

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in parts of the country, for example in the northwest, we have seen some levels of rainfall in the last few weeks, which has made that area more stable

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann, stated that a regional extension of the ban might be necessary, as all options remain under review. She noted that while some areas, particularly in the northwest, have received rainfall, significant portions of the country, especially central and south Leinster, are facing drought or near-drought conditions.

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So potentially, we can consider extending the water conservation order regionally.

Met Éireann, Ireland's national meteorological service, has issued a Status Yellow high-temperature warning for Leinster and Tipperary, with temperatures expected to reach up to 29C. This continued spell of warm weather is predicted to further strain water sources, increasing demand. Attridge explained that the small amounts of rain forecast for the coming days are unlikely to significantly improve the soil moisture deficit or recharge lake and river sources.

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The small bits of rain that are forecast in some areas of the country over the next few days isn't going to do much to change the soil moisture deficit, so it won't do much to recharge our lake and river sources

Despite efforts by the public to conserve water, supplies remain under considerable pressure. The ban is crucial for protecting water resources and ensuring sufficient supply for communities and businesses in the coming days. Uisce Éireann continues to monitor water supplies nationwide, with the decision to lift restrictions dependent on factors like the weather forecast and soil moisture levels.

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That is going to continue to put our sources under pressure. We do see increase in water usage and demand during warm weather and that is why we put in place... the hosepipe ban.