ieExplains: What is a hosepipe ban and how much are the fines for breaching it?

Uisce Éireann to enforce water conservation order for certain areas from midnight on Thursday until August 26

A water conservation order has been issued by Uisce Éireann prohibiting the use of water that are deemed non-essential. File picture: David Creedon

Uisce Éireann has issued a six-week hosepipe ban for several counties to protect water supplies due to "exceptionally warm" weather.

What is a hosepipe ban? 

A water conservation order, often referred to as a "hosepipe ban", is a legal restriction issued during periods of drought or high demand to prohibit the use of water. The restriction ensures water is not used in certain ways which are deemed to be non-essential.

"In unique circumstances, a water conservation order (or hosepipe ban) is introduced if absolutely necessary. Water conservation orders ensure that people only use water for essential purposes, in areas where there is a serious deficiency of water available for distribution. Conserving and reducing water consumption is these circumstances is critical to ensure continuity of supply," explained Uisce Éireann.

When and where is the hosepipe ban in place? 

Issued by Uisce Éireann, the water conservation order is for Dublin, south Tipperary, parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford, and Wicklow. The ban has been issued due to the "exceptionally warm and dry weather".

It will be in effect shortly after midnight on Thursday, and will remain in place until August 26.

Locations in Wexford where water conservation orders are in place.

Locations in South Tipperary where water conservation orders are in place.

Locations in the Greater Dublin Area (covering Dublin and parts of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow) where water conservation orders are in place.

What does the ban entail?

The ban prohibits the use of a hosepipe to water gardens, wash cars, clean a private leisure boat, fill or maintain a domestic swimming or paddling pool (unless using hand held containers filled directly from the tap).

It also prohibits filling or maintaining a domestic pond (unless it is a fish pond) using a hosepipe,  filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain (with the exception of such use for commercial purposes).

How is it being enforced?

Uisce Éireann has introduced a hotline allowing people to report suspected "non-essential" water use during the six-week hosepipe ban. Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast with Anton Savage, Margaret Attridge said: "We're providing a hotline because we're not asking people to confront people. We don't want to cause any neighbourhood disputes here. People can contact us and we will follow up with individuals."

Ms Attridge added: “If people want to find out if their area is included in the hosepipe ban, in the water conservation order, there are maps available on our website and by going on to our website and putting in your code, you'll understand whether you're included in the area of the hosepipe ban or not.”

How much could I get fined for breaching the order?

A fine of €125 applies to each offence. If the matter is serious enough to reach court, one could be fined up to €5,000 if convicted. Although, no one is ever convicted for such matter.