Hosepipe ban extended to county Waterford due to high temperatures

Uisce Éireann has extended the current Water Conservation Order to Waterford and nationwide.

People in Waterford are asked to avoid non-essential water use as hot weather and low rainfall intensify pressure on supplies across the country.

The order is in place from midnight on Friday, July 24 until Wednesday, August 26.

The conservation order has been in place for Dublin, South Tipperary and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow.

Uisce Éireann say that in recent weeks it has introduced a number of measures in Co Waterford to maintain and protect supplies.

These measures include enhanced leakage repair works, pressure management, and public water conservation campaigns.

Uisce Éireann’s Fionnuala Callery said that they are asking everyone in Waterford to use only the water they need.

“Early indications show that water usage in Co. Waterford is beginning to decrease, demonstrating the positive impact of ongoing water conservation efforts by customers.

“This is making a difference, but pressures remain high, and we are now asking people across the country to continue reducing non-essential use.

“Every drop counts. Continued support from the public will help reduce pressure on supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs,” said Ms Callery.

The extended Order will apply to all households and is being extended because of raw water sources in many areas around the country.

Met Éireann’s extended range forecast indicates that temperatures are expected to remain above average and rainfall below average in the period ahead.

Several groundwater sources are now showing signs of stress, with reduced or no yields being experienced in a number of areas.

The Order prohibits the use of a hosepipe or similar apparatus for activities such as watering a garden, cleaning a private motor vehicle, cleaning a private leisure boat, filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool, filling or maintaining a domestic pond, excluding fish ponds, and filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain, except where required for commercial purposes.

Uisce Éireann 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.