Appeal to conserve water renewed as nighttime restrictions continue in parts of Cork this weekend
A nationwide Water Conservation Order is now in place until Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section
Uisce Éireann continues to appeal to customers in Cork to conserve water as increased use means supplies are being used faster than water can be treated and stored in local reservoirs. As a result of high demand, Uisce Éireann has taken proactive measures to safeguard water supplies by maximising treated water production, repairing leaks and bursts and optimising network operations to maintain supply for customers amid continued warm and dry weather conditions.
Uisce Éireann is continuing targeted tankering operations in Schull, Ballykenly/Johnstown, Leap, Cahernacrin Bantry, Ardgehane, Reenascreena, Derryginagh Bantry, Youghal, Goleen, Robert’s Cove and Nohoval to supplement local water supplies and maintain continuity of service for customers while treated water supplies remain under pressure.
The continuation of nighttime restrictions in parts of Cork is essential to allow treated water reservoirs to recover and ensure daytime supply for homes, businesses and essential services.
Nighttime restrictions remain in place in the following areas;
- Foxhall, Clonakilty (11pm until 6am)
- Enniskeane Reservoir (11pm until 6am)
- Johnstown Reservoir on the Ballykenly/Johnstown Scheme (11pm until 5.30am)
- Dunmahon Water Treatment Plant (11pm until 5.30am)
- Ballydonegan (ongoing during operational repair works)
Uisce Éireann is continuously monitoring water levels in Cork and adjusting operations daily based on demand, usage, and weather conditions.
A nationwide Water Conservation Order is now in effect until Wednesday, 26 August 2026 to protect public water supplies now and in the months ahead for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.
Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: “We want to thank customers across Cork for the efforts they have already made to conserve water. While this is helping, demand remains high and treated water supplies continue to be under pressure. We are asking everyone to keep doing what they can to reduce water use this weekend so that we can protect supplies and maintain essential water services."
Uisce Éireann is continuing to ask customers to take practical steps to conserve water at home, including taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, and avoiding the use of hosepipes or sprinklers in the garden. A garden hose or sprinkler can use more than the average family uses in a full day. As the Water Conservation Order is being extended nationwide, it applies to all public water supplies across the country for the specified period. Uisce Éireann’s customer care team remains available for all customer queries.
We would also ask 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 our Report a Leak page.
Customers can also use Uisce Éireann’s online Water Calculator to better understand their household water use and identify simple ways to save water every day.
Further updates and water conservation advice are available on the Conservation section of our website.
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann is asking customers in the Foxhall area near Clonakilty to conserve water as increased use during the current spell of warm weather means supplies are being used faster than water can be treated. While raw water sources remain stable, the level of demand is placing pressure on the treatment process.. This means treated water is being used more quickly than it can be produced and stored in local reservoirs. Periods of sustained high demand can lead to reduced pressure and, in some cases, interruptions to the availability of water for customers
As a result of high demand, Uisce Éireann is introducing targeted nighttime restrictions to protect daytime supply for homes and businesses. The overnight restrictions will be introduced from tonight in the following areas:
Nighttime water restrictions will be in place at Foxhall Reservoir from 10pm until 6.30am tomorrow morning. As a result customers in Froe, Roscabrey, Cahermore, Caherbeg and surrounding areasmay experience lower water pressure or temporary disruptions to supply while these measures are in operation.
Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water levels closely in Cork and adjust operations daily based on demand, usage, and weather conditions. A further operational assessment is scheduled for mid-week.
Niall O'Riordan, Operations Manager, Uisce Éireann urged the community in Cork to support the conservation measures.
“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”
Simple steps at home, in the garden and at work can help protect local water supplies.
Simple water-saving tips:
Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes.
Drop the hose: Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler.
Don’t let the tap run: Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save up to six litres of water per minute.
Choose showers over baths: A seven-minute shower uses significantly less water than the average bath.
Run full loads: Only use washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded.
Save on flushing: Consider using a cistern displacement device to reduce water use.
To access the water conservation calculator and find more water-saving advice, visit the conservation section.
Customers can find the latest updates on the Uisce Éireann website and social media channels or contact the customer care team, which is available 24/7.
Uisce Éireann is urging customers across parts of Cork to conserve water as demand for treated water continues to rise during the current spell of warm weather. Uisce Éireann are actively monitoring the network, managing water resources, repairing leaks and implementing targeted measures to protect and support supplies where needed.
Although raw water sources remain at healthy levels, the sustained warm weather has significantly increased water usage. This means treated water is being used faster than it can be produced and replenished in local reservoirs, placing additional pressure on the network. Customers can help by making simple changes to their daily water use. Small actions taken at home, in businesses and across communities can make a meaningful difference, helping treated water reservoirs recover and protecting supply during this time.
Uisce Éireann has also put contingency measures in place. These measures include targeted tankering operations to replenish treated water reservoirs and support areas experiencing increased demand. The additional water helps maintain reservoir levels, protect local supplies and strengthen network resilience, ensuring a reliable water supply for customers during periods of sustained pressure on the system.
In West Cork, along with Glendine in Youghal in East Cork, contingency tankering will continue to support local water supplies in Derryginach , Cahernacin, Jones Bridge, Ballyhilty, Drinagh, Minane Bridge and Nohoval. In North Cork, tankering will continue to Freemount and to Ballykenly (Johnstown).
To help protect daytime water supplies, overnight restrictions are also in place at:
• AbbeystreweryReservoir, Skibbereen (tonight and tomorrow night from 11pm until 6am).
• Enniskeane Reservoir (11pm until 6am)
• Johnstown Reservoir on the Ballykenly/Johnstown Scheme (11pm until 5.30am).
• Dunmahon Water Treatment Plant (11pm until 6am).
• Nohoval (10.30pm until 7am)
Overnight restrictions are being introduced from tonight at:
• Mitchelstown South Water TreatmentPlant (11pm until 6am)
Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager said: “As warmer weather continues to increase demand for water, we are calling on customers to take simple steps to reduce their water use and help protect local supplies. Every drop counts. By cutting back on non-essential water use and making small changes at home, in businesses and in outdoor spaces, everyone can help ease pressure on the network and ensure a reliable water supply for their community."
Simple steps at home, in the garden and at work can help protect local water supplies.
Simple water-saving tips:
• Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes.
• Drop the hose: Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler.
• Don’t let the tap run: Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save up to six litres of water per minute.
• Choose showers over baths: A seven-minute shower uses significantly less water than the average bath.
• Run full loads: Only use washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded.
• Save on flushing: Consider using a cistern displacement device to reduce water use.
To access the water conservation calculator and find more water-saving advice, visit the conservation section.
Customers can find the latest updates on the Uisce Éireann website and social media channels or contact the customer care team, which is available 24/7.
Uisce Éireann is urging customers across parts of West Cork and North Cork to conserve water as demand for treated water continues to rise during the current spell of warm weather. Uisce Éireann are actively monitoring the network, managing water resources, repairing leaks and implementing targeted measures to protect and support supplies where needed.
Although raw water sources remain at healthy levels, the sustained warm weather has significantly increased water usage. This means treated water is being used faster than it can be produced and replenished in local reservoirs, placing additional pressure on the network. Customers can help by making simple changes to their daily water use. Small actions taken at home, in businesses and across communities can make a meaningful difference, helping treated water reservoirs recover and protecting supply during this time.
Uisce Éireann has also put contingency measures in place. These measures include targeted tankering operations to replenish treated water reservoirs and support areas experiencing increased demand. The additional water helps maintain reservoir levels, protect local supplies and strengthen network resilience, ensuring a reliable water supply for customers during periods of sustained pressure on the system.
In West Cork, within the Bantry region, contingency tankering will continue to support local water supplies in Nohoval, Derryginach and Cahernacin. In Clonakilty, tankering operations will remain in place to support customers in the Ardgehane and Reenascreena supply areas. Tankering is also now in place in Leap. Meanwhile, in North Cork, contingency tankering to Freemount will continue, alongside ongoing tankering operations supporting Courtbrack and Dunmahon-Glanworth.
To help protect daytime water supplies, overnight restrictions are also in place at:
• Johnstown Reservoir on the Ballykenly/Johnstown Scheme (11pm until 5.30am)
• Dunmahon-Glanworth (11pm until 5.30am)
• Nohoval (10.30pm until 7am)
Overnight restrictions are being introduced from tonight at:
• Reenascreena Public Water Supply near Clonakilty (10.30pm until 7am)
These nighttime restrictions are essential to allow treated water levels in the reservoirs to recover, in order to ensure a full and continuous daytime supply for homes, businesses and essential services in these areas.
All contingency arrangements including nighttime restrictions will remain under continuous review, with a further operational assessment scheduled for early next week.
Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager said: “As warmer weather continues to increase demand for water, we are calling on customers to take simple steps to reduce their water use and help protect local supplies. Every drop counts. By cutting back on non-essential water use and making small changes at home, in businesses and in outdoor spaces, everyone can help ease pressure on the network and ensure a reliable water supply for their community."
Simple steps at home, in the garden and at work can help protect local water supplies.
Simple water-saving tips:
• Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes.
• Drop the hose: Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler.
• Don’t let the tap run: Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save up to six litres of water per minute.
• Choose showers over baths: A seven-minute shower uses significantly less water than the average bath.
• Run full loads: Only use washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded.
• Save on flushing: Consider using a cistern displacement device to reduce water use.
To access the water conservation calculator and find more water-saving advice, visit www.water.ie/conservation.
Customers can find the latest updates on the Uisce Éireann website and social media channels or contact the customer care team, which is available 24/7.
Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers across West Cork and parts of North Cork to conserve water as demand for treated water continues to increase during the current spell of warm weather.
While the vast majority of customers are experiencing no disruption to their water supply, Uisce Éireann teams are closely monitoring the network, managing water resources, repairing leaks and implementing targeted measures where required to safeguard supplies.
Although raw water sources remain at healthy levels, warmer weather has led to a significant rise in demand. As a result, treated water is being consumed more quickly than it can be produced and replenished in local reservoirs.
Customers are being asked to use water wisely where possible to help treated water reservoirs recover and stabilise. By making small changes to daily water use, homes, businesses and communities can play an important role in helping to maintain a reliable water supply for everyone.
As part of a proactive response to the current period of sustained warm weather and increased water demand, Uisce Éireann has implemented contingency tankering measures across parts of West Cork and North Cork to help safeguard water supplies and maintain network resilience.
In North Cork, tankering to the treated water reservoir in Carrignavar, which commenced on 07 July, will continue while demand exceeds supply. Additional tankering operations began in Freemount on 08 July and are scheduled to continue likewise while demand exceeds supply. Uisce Éireann continues to closely monitor water levels and network performance at Johnstown Reservoir on the Ballykenly / Johnstown Scheme where nighttime restrictions have been implemented from 11pm-5.30am each evening. Nearby, tankering has commenced to the reservoir in Glanworth on the Dunmahon Scheme and nighttime restrictions have also been implemented on this supply from 11am-5.30am.
In West Cork, contingency tankering commenced during the week to support the Ardgehane, Reenascreena (Clonakilty), Cahernacrin (Bantry), Leap, Abeystrewery (Skibbereen) and Nohoval reservoirs. Nighttime restrictions have also been implemented on the Nohoval Scheme. The additional supply provides valuable operational flexibility and helps maintain reservoir levels during this period of elevated demand.
These measures form part of Uisce Éireann's ongoing efforts to protect water supplies for customers while demand remains high. All contingency arrangements will remain under continuous review, with a further operational assessment scheduled for early next week.
Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water demand, reservoir levels and network performance closely, taking any necessary operational actions to protect water supplies and maintain service resilience for customers across the region.
Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager said: “Warmer weather typically results in a significant increase in water demand across homes, businesses and outdoor spaces. We are asking customers to be mindful of their water use and to conserve water wherever possible to help protect local supplies. Every drop counts and small changes in daily water use can collectively make a meaningful difference in maintaining resilient water services for communities across the region."
Simple steps at home, in the garden and at work can help protect local water supplies.
Simple water-saving tips:
- Leak free: Check that your home is leak free. Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes.
- Drop the hose: Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler.
- Don’t let the tap run: Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save up to six litres of water per minute.
- Choose showers over baths: A seven-minute shower uses significantly less water than the average bath.
- Run full loads: Only use washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded.
- Save on flushing: Consider using a cistern displacement device to reduce water use.
To access the water conservation calculator and find more water-saving advice, visit the Conservation section of our website.
Customers can find the latest updates on the Uisce Éireann website and social media channels or contact the customer care team, which is available 24/7.
Customers can also sign up for free text alerts using their Eircode and mobile number.
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