Hosepipe ban to be lifted in four counties, extended in three others

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that Water Conservation Orders (WCOs), commonly known as hosepipe bans, will lapse on 16 September in Cork, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford.

While restrictions are being lifted, Uisce Éireann has warned that many supplies remain under strain, with several areas still in drought conditions and relying on tankered water to maintain supply. Among the worst affected are Ballincurrig/Lisgoold, Dursey Island, Kilnagorteen, Nohoval and Whitechurch in Cork; Portlaw, Ballymacarby and Kilrossanty in Waterford; and Ballyhogue, Gorey (Rural) and Fardystown in Wexford. Clonakilty in Cork and a number of supplies in Tipperary also remain in drought.

Regional operations managers at the utility said it would take time for sources to fully recover after a dry autumn, winter and spring followed by the warmest summer on record. “Now that the hosepipe ban is lifted, it is more important than ever that we do not lose momentum,” said Brian O’Leary, Uisce Éireann’s regional operations manager for Cork. “Many supplies across the county remain under pressure, and while the weather is changing, it will take time for our sources to fully recover.”

Similar appeals were issued by Uisce Éireann managers in Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, who praised local efforts to conserve water but stressed that even small changes in how water is used can make a big difference.

At the same time, Uisce Éireann has announced that hosepipe bans will remain in place for a further four weeks for three public water supplies: Kells–Oldcastle in Co Meath, Mullingar in Co Westmeath and Milford in Co Donegal. Despite recent rainfall, the utility said water levels in the lakes supplying these areas remain critically low and recovery will be slow.

Uisce Éireann said it will continue to monitor all public water supplies across the country and urged households and businesses to keep up water-saving habits. Tips include turning off taps while brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, fully loading dishwashers and washing machines, and swapping hoses for watering cans or buckets.

For more information on water conservation and to access the Water Conservation Calculator, visit Uisce Éireann’s website.