Water Conservation Orders
A number of water supply schemes across the country are experiencing water shortages and reduced pressure where there are low raw water sources or reservoir levels. This is due to a range of factors including high demand for water and prolonged periods of low rainfall levels.
In unique circumstances, a water conservation order (or hosepipe ban) is introduced if absolutely necessary. Water conservation orders ensure that people only use water for essential purposes, in areas where there is a serious deficiency of water available for distribution. Conserving and reducing water consumption is these circumstances is critical to ensure continuity of supply.
Locations where Water Conservation Orders are currently in place:
The areas shown in purple are the areas to which this Water Conservation Orders applies dated 16 July 2026.
What does a Water Conservation Order (hosepipe ban) entail?
Prohibited use
Use of water drawn through a hosepipe or similar apparatus for the purpose of –
- watering a ‘garden’
- cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe
- cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
- filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool (except when using hand held containers filled directly from a tap)
- filling or maintaining a domestic pond (excluding fish ponds) using a hosepipe;
- filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain (with the exception of such use for commercial purposes).
- Use of water for filling or replenishing a swimming pool, artificial pond, lake or similar application.
Specified period
This Order takes effect at 00:01 on Thursday, 16th July 2026 and ceases to have effect at 23:59 on Wednesday, 26th August 2026, subject to the potential necessity for a further period of prohibition and / or restriction to be extended, depending on prevailing weather conditions. This order may be lifted before the specified period if possible, having regard to the prevailing weather conditions and the availability of water for distribution. Equally, it may be necessary to extend the specified period in time and to other water users, by way of additional order, should the prevailing conditions persist.
A copy of this Order may be seen at Uisce Éireann’s registered office at Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 or is available to download below.
A PERSON WHO CONTRAVENES THIS ORDER COMMITS AN OFFENCE PURSUANT TO SECTION 56(18) OF THE WATER SERVICES ACT 2007 (AS AMENDED), AND IS LIABLE ON SUMMARY CONVICTION TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING €5,000.
Check for local works
Works on the water mains in your area can cause short term water quality and supply issues. Check our Service and Supply map to see if there are works happening near you.
