Hosepipe ban lifted today, two weeks early

Uisce Éireann confirmed today that the Water Conservation Order has been lifted with immediate effect across 13 counties, two weeks earlier than planned.

The water utility company said that this decision reflects an increase in rainfall and water availability in recent weeks. On top of this, the efforts made by businesses, households, communities and farms across Ireland to reduce their water use also helped ease the pressure.

The Water Conservation Order was introduced in July following a significant period of dry weather and exceptionally high demand, placing pressure on water supplies in Ireland.

Uisce Éireann Asset Strategy Senior Manager, Mairead Conlon, said: “We want to thank households and communities across the country for their support while the Water Conservation Order was in place. By cutting back on non-essential water use, people helped protect local supplies and maintain drinking water for the homes, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers, and essential services that rely on it every day.

“While the Water Conservation Order is ending earlier than planned, we are encouraging everyone to continue using water wisely. The past few months have shown the value of being mindful about how we use water and the positive impact small actions can have when taken together. Continued water conservation will help support the recovery of local water sources and ensure water remains available when communities need it most.

“Rainfall over recent weeks has improved the overall picture, but recovery has not been the same everywhere across the country. Some areas, including parts of the Greater Dublin Area, Wexford and South Tipperary, require more time to return to the levels you would usually see at this time of year. Continued careful use of water will help protect these local sources and support their recovery in the weeks ahead.”