West Cork and North Cork customers urged to conserve water as demand rises

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

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.