Warning that water supplies are in drought status across several counties including Cork 

Uisce Éireann said warm weather was increasing pressure on supplies in several regions, including Cork

Running a hose for just one hour uses as much water as a family would typically need in an entire day. File picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

Uisce Éireann has launched a national appeal to the public to conserve water, as it emerged supplies are now in drought status across several counties following a drier-than-normal autumn, winter and spring.

As the country is set to enjoy a long spell of warm weather, the water utility revealed the network was already experiencing increased pressure on supplies across several regions, including Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Donegal, Meath, Westmeath, and Wexford.