Nationwide hosepipe ban announced as Uisce Éireann warns of pressure on water supplies
A hosepipe ban, which was in effect for six counties, has since been extended nationwide amid concerns of "intensifying pressure on water sources and treated drinking water supplies."
A hosepipe ban, previously in place in six counties, has now been extended nationwide amid concerns over "intensifying pressure on water sources and treated drinking water supplies".
The move comes as Ireland faces a prolonged spell of hot weather that is forecast to continue.
According to Met Éireann warm weather will continue this week, with temperatures of up to 25C expected.
On Wednesday, Uisce Éireann said it was taking "all measures to keep water flowing by maximising production, repairing leaks, tankering water and operating the network to minimise outages and protect supplies".
Several groundwater sources are now showing signs of stress, with "reduced or no yields experienced in a number of areas".
Uisce Éireann said supplies remain under pressure in parts of the Greater Dublin Area, as well as at popular visitor destinations around the coast, due to high water usage.
The order, which was initially introduced for Dublin, South Tipperary, and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow, will now apply nationwide from midnight on Friday. It will remain in place until Wednesday, August 26.
The ban prohibits the use of hosepipes and similar equipment to water gardens, clean cars or boats, or fill paddling pools or private swimming pools.
Night-time restrictions are also in place for 53 of the country's 700 water supplies, mainly in areas where local sources are under pressure.
Mairead Conlon, asset strategy senior manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “We are asking everyone to use only what they need and to avoid any non-essential water use until conditions improve.
“Early indications show that people are supporting the water conservation order already in place, with water usage in the Greater Dublin Area beginning to decrease.
“I want to thank everyone who has taken steps to conserve water. 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.”
Uisce Éireann continues to urge customers to take practical steps to conserve water at home, including taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, and avoiding the use of hosepipes or sprinklers in the garden.
The utility said using a garden hose or sprinkler for just one hour can consume more water than the average family uses in an entire day.
Meanwhile, Wednesday will bring similar conditions to recent days, with sunny spells dominating, particularly in the south. Highs of up to 23C are expected before cloudier conditions spread southwards overnight from the north, with temperatures falling to around 9C.
Thursday will be mostly cloudy, with isolated patches of light rain or drizzle in the west and north. The best sunshine is expected in the south and east, where temperatures will reach 20C to 24C. Overnight temperatures will fall to between 10C and 14C.
Friday will bring a mix of cloud and sunny spells. Conditions will become hazier towards the evening as cloud thickens from the northwest. Temperatures of 19C to 25C are forecast, although it will be cooler along Atlantic coastal areas. Rain and drizzle will spread southwards overnight, accompanied by moderate winds.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday is expected to be dominated by patchy rain and drizzle, particularly in the west and north. Daytime temperatures will range from 16C to 22C, with brighter spells possible in parts of the south and east.
On Sunday, further light rain and drizzle are forecast, although brighter conditions may develop in the east and south later in the day as the rain becomes confined to the west and north. Temperatures are expected to reach 15C to 21C.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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