Water conservation order lifted two weeks early for Waterford households

The water conservation order put in place two months ago has been lifted with immediate effect in Waterford and other counties two weeks earlier than planned, Uisce Éireann confirmed today.

The decision reflects the increase in rainfall and water availability over recent weeks, alongside the extraordinary efforts made by households, businesses, farms and communities across Ireland to reduce water use, Uisce Éireann said.

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 was originally due to remain in place until Augst 26 but was later extended for a number of counties, including Waterford, until the end of September.

It is now being lifted from today for all remaining counties.

Uisce Éireann Asset Strategy Senior Manager, Mairead Conlon said: “We want to thank households and communities across Waterford for their support while the Water Conservation Order was in place.

"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, Uisce Éireann said, but recovery has not been the same everywhere across the country, with some areas, including parts of the Greater Dublin Area, Wexford and South Tipperary, needing more time to return to the levels usually seen at this time of year.