Despite recent rainfall, raw water levels throughout Waterford remain critically low.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a Water Conservation Order — commonly known as a hosepipe ban — will come into effect across County Waterford from Saturday, 26th July 2025, until 16th September 2025.
The Water Conservation Order has been issued in a bid to safeguard the water supply for essential purposes. In accordance with statutory requirements, public notices outlining the restrictions will appear in national newspapers on 24 July 2025. These restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.
The implementation of this Order follows a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, now placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.
It is essential that a Water Conservation Order is introduced to reduce the potential of restrictions and outages over the coming weeks and months.
The data tells us that rainfall in Waterford during May, June, and July this year to date has been significantly below average when compared to long-term rainfall records. A total of 104mm of rainfall was measured at the Moore Park, weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years — nearly 49% less rainfall recorded locally.
Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, said:“Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services. While it may often feel like Ireland receives plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Waterford have not had their usual seasonal recharge, and we are now heading into the height of summer with lower-than-average water levels.
“Although some rainfall is expected, it will not be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on the already low water levels.
“In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management. With demand continuing to outstrip supply in some areas — and further dry weather anticipated — we have taken the necessary step of implementing a Water Conservation Order to help protect the local water supply.
“Our data clearly shows that warm weather drives a significant increase in water demand, particularly for non-essential uses like gardening and outdoor cleaning. For example, using a hosepipe for just one hour can use as much water as a family typically consumes in an entire day.
“This Order builds on a range of measures Uisce Éireann has already implemented in recent months, including intensified leak detection and repair programmes, and a public awareness campaign on the importance of conserving water year-round.
“We will continue to monitor water consumption while the Order remains in place. Protecting our water supply is essential if we are to avoid more severe restrictions or supply interruptions in the weeks and months ahead.
“We are also actively engaging with commercial water users to support their conservation efforts and reduce unnecessary usage.
“There are many simple but effective ways to save water — from taking shorter showers to reusing household water in the garden. The key message is: leave the hose and pressure washer in the shed.
“We are calling on everyone to do their part so we can maintain a sustainable water supply throughout the summer,” Fionnuala added.
The Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users, as well as commercial premises for non-commercial activities — such as watering gardens attached to a business premises.
To support households and businesses in conserving water, Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use Water Conservation Calculator, which allows users to estimate how much water they’re saving and how to save even more. The calculator and additional tips are available on the Water Conservation section of our website.
Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie.
ENDS
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