Uisce Éireann thanks communities across Ireland as remaining Water Conservation Order is lifted two weeks early
Uisce Éireann can confirm that the Water Conservation Order is being lifted with immediate effect across the 13 remaining counties, two weeks earlier than planned.
The decision reflects an increase in rainfall and water availability alongside the extraordinary efforts made by households, businesses, farms and communities across Ireland to reduce water use. These efforts helped to protect local water supplies during one of the hottest summers and driest July on record.
The nationwide Water Conservation Order was introduced in July following a prolonged period of dry weather and exceptionally high demand, which had placed significant pressure on public water supplies across the country. The Order had been due to remain in place until the end of September in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. It is now being lifted from today in all remaining counties.
Uisce Éireann Asset Strategy Senior Manager, Mairead Conlon said: “We want to thank households and communities across the country for their support while the Water Conservation Order was in place. By cutting back on non-essential water use, people helped protect local supplies and maintain drinking water for the homes, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers, and essential services that rely on it every day.
“While the Water Conservation Order is ending earlier than planned, we are encouraging everyone to continue using water wisely. The past few months have shown the value of being mindful about how we use water and the positive impact small actions can have when taken together. Continued water conservation will help support the recovery of local water sources and ensure water remains available when communities need it most.
“Rainfall over recent weeks has improved the overall picture, but recovery has not been the same everywhere across the country. Some areas, including parts of the Greater Dublin Area, Wexford and South Tipperary, require more time to return to the levels you would usually see at this time of year. Continued careful use of water will help protect these local sources and support their recovery in the weeks ahead.”
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the Water Conservation Order will be lifted across much of the country following an improvement in the availability of water for supply and increased rainfall.
The nationwide Water Conservation Order currently in place is due to expire at 23:59 on Wednesday, 26 August. It was introduced on 24 July following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, high water use and increasing pressure on public water supplies.
The decision reflects the positive impact of public water conservation efforts and improved conditions in many areas. In parts of the east and south, however, water sources and public water supplies remain under pressure and require continued protection.
Uisce Éireann is asking customers in these 13 counties to continue avoiding non-essential water use. The extension will help conserve available water and protect supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.
Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water sources, demand and the availability of water for distribution.
Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, thanked the public for the positive way they have responded to the Water Conservation Order. “We have received great support from the public for our water conservation appeal, which has helped reduce demand significantly in many areas. The collective efforts of communities to reduce unnecessary water use have made a real difference in protecting our essential supplies.
“The improvement in conditions means we can now lift the Order across many counties. That is a positive outcome and reflects the real difference people and businesses have made by reducing unnecessary water use.
“At the same time, supplies in parts of the east and south remain under pressure, and water sources in these areas will need more time to recover. For that reason, the Order will remain in place in 13 counties.
“We are asking customers in these areas to continue using only the water they need and to avoid non-essential use. We recognise the effort that people have already made, and we appreciate their continued support. Every drop saved will help us protect local supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs.”
Customers in areas where the Order is being lifted are still encouraged to use water wisely. Simple steps such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose can help protect supplies.
Uisce Éireann is continuing to take operational measures to maintain supplies, including maximising water production, repairing leaks, moving water by tanker where necessary and managing the network to reduce the risk of outages.
The public can help by reporting visible leaks on the public water network to Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or on our Report a Leak page. Additional water conservation advice is available on the Conservation section of our website.
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