The hosepipe ban which has been in place in the Kells/Oldcastle areas, Mullingar, Milford in Co Donegal since early May has been extended by another seven weeks.
It is set to remain in place until after the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Uisce Éireann said while recent weeks have brought cooler and wetter weather, water supplies in several parts of the country remain under significant pressure.
Nationally, 21 supplies remain in drought status, and Uisce Éireann said it continues to monitor and manage these areas closely.
It said that it would take several weeks of sustained rainfall to allow the return of normal levels.
Forecasts also indicate a likely return to warmer, drier weather from next week, which could further increase demand and place additional strain on already stressed supplies.
Michael Cunniffe, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Meath, stated: “Although we’ve seen some welcome rainfall, the long-term effects of a dry autumn, winter, and spring are still being felt. Some water sources have not recovered to sustainable levels, and so extending the Water Conservation Order is necessary to protect these vulnerable supplies.
“Nationally there are 20 locations across the country which remain in drought status across counties Westmeath, Donegal, Meath, Cork, Clare, Galway, Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Offaly and Laois. That’s why we are reminding everyone - regardless of whether they are in an area under a formal order—to continue to conserve water. Every drop counts, especially as we move into what is expected to be a warmer, drier period.”
The Water Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users and commercial premises for non-commercial activities. This measure is essential to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services.
Key Tips to help you conserve water
- Leak free: Check for running overflows and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes
- Drop the hose: use a watering can to water your plants instead of a hose or sprinkler
- Don’t let the tap run: Brushing your teeth with the tap running can use up to a staggering 6 litres per minute. Brushing your teeth with the tap off will use a more modest 1 litre of water
- Shower vs Bath: Showers ùse up to half the amount of water as baths
- Less time: With the average shower using 7 litres of water per minute by turning your five minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to 7 litres of water per day!
- Fully loaded: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machines are fully loaded. A modern washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water per cycle while a dishwasher uses 20 litres. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water but you will also reduce your energy bills
- Keep it cool: Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the cold tap; this can save up to 10 litres a day
- Find out how much water your family uses and how to improve it by checking out our conservation calculator at www.water.ie/calculator.
