Uisce Éireann Expands Water Conservation Appeal

Uisce Éireann has issued urgent additional water conservation appeals across multiple counties as high temperatures and rising water usage continue to strain supply networks nationwide.

The utility is reporting growing pressure on water systems in South Leitrim, Waterford, Meath, Wexford, Offaly, and Cork due to a combination of increased household and business demand, warm weather, low reservoir levels, and bursts or faults in key infrastructure.

Reservoirs Under Strain Across the Country

In South Leitrim, water usage has surged in recent weeks, with bursts in Keshcarrigan and Ballinamore worsening the situation. Customers in Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill, Carrigallen and surrounding areas are being urged to immediately cut non-essential use and allow reservoirs time to recover.

In Waterford, Cappoquin has officially moved to drought status, with low pressure and reduced supply already being felt. Nearby areas, including Ballylaneen, Clashmore, Rathgormack and Kilrossanty, are also at high risk.

Uisce Éireann’s Maura Phelan warned: “Water demand has noticeably increased across Waterford. With the warm weather continuing, we’re asking customers across the county to conserve water and give supplies time to recover.”

Nighttime Restrictions Extended

To stabilise reservoir levels, nighttime water restrictions are now in place in several towns, including:

• Mallow (Cork): 10pm–7am restrictions due to high demand.
• Ashbourne & Ratoath (Meath): 11pm–7am restrictions to protect daytime supply following an electrical fault at the Primatestown Pumping Station.
• Clara & Ferbane (Offaly): Overnight restrictions due to a mechanical fault at the water treatment plant.
• Gorey (Wexford): 11pm–6am restrictions following high summer usage and low water levels.

‘Every Drop Counts’: Public Urged to Take Simple Steps

Uisce Éireann says small changes at home and in gardens can make a real difference. “Turning off taps, taking shorter showers, using a basin to wash the car—these are easy actions that collectively protect supply,” said Water Operations Manager Anthony Skeffington.

The public is also being encouraged to report leaks, check for running overflows, and use Uisce Éireann’s free Water Conservation Calculator to track personal water use.

Public Support Key as Dry Conditions Persist

Following a drier-than-average autumn, winter, and spring, many sources are running low, and Uisce Éireann has warned that further conservation will be vital in the weeks ahead. With warm, settled weather expected to continue, the utility is ramping up pressure management and tanker support in the hardest-hit areas.

“Our teams are working around the clock, but we need the public’s help,” said Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng. “If we all cut back just a little, we can avoid more serious disruptions.”

Customers are encouraged to stay up to date via www.water.ie, or by signing up for free text alerts using their Eircode and mobile number. Uisce Éireann’s 24/7 helpline is available at 1800 278 278, and updates are also posted via @IWCare on X.