Uisce Éireann has announced that its Water Conservation Order will be expanded to every county from 00:01 on Friday 24 July until Wednesday 26 August 2026, widening the existing measures already in force for Dublin, South Tipperary and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow.

The move is intended to safeguard public water supplies now and over the coming months for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services. Persistently hot weather, expected to continue, together with below-average rainfall, has driven exceptional demand and increased strain on raw water sources and treated drinking water. The utility says it is maximising production, repairing leaks, tankering water and operating the network to minimise outages and protect supplies.

The extended Order applies to all households nationwide. Many raw water sources are under mounting pressure after a prolonged spell of hot, dry conditions. Met Éireann's extended range forecast points to above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall in the period ahead. Several groundwater sources are showing signs of stress, with reduced or no yields in some locations. In parts of the Greater Dublin Area and in popular coastal destinations, usage often exceeds production capacity, keeping supplies under pressure.

Night-time restrictions are currently in place on 53 of 700 water supplies, mainly where local sources are vulnerable. Extending the Water Conservation Order across the country is aimed at cutting non-essential use, easing pressure on sources and safeguarding water for essential needs. Under the Order, the use of a hosepipe or similar device is prohibited for activities including watering gardens, washing private cars, cleaning private leisure boats, and filling or maintaining domestic swimming or paddling pools, domestic ponds (excluding fish ponds) and ornamental fountains, except where required for commercial purposes.

Mairead Conlon, Asset Strategy Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: "We are asking everyone to use only what they need and to avoid any non-essential water use until conditions improve.

"Early indications show that people are supporting the Water Conservation Order already in place, with water usage in the Greater Dublin Area beginning to decrease. I want to thank everyone who has taken steps to conserve water. This is making a difference, but pressures remain high and we are now asking people across the country to continue reducing non-essential use.

"Every drop counts. Continued support from the public will help reduce pressure on supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs."

Customers are being encouraged to take practical steps at home, such as shortening showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, and avoiding the use of hosepipes or sprinklers in the garden. An hour with a garden hose or sprinkler can use more water than an average family does in a whole day.

As the Order now applies nationwide, it covers all public water supplies for the specified period. Uisce Éireann's customer care team remains available to support queries.

The public is also asked to report any visible leaks on the public network by calling 1800 278 278 or via the Report a Leak page on the Uisce Éireann website. Customers can use the online Water Calculator to understand their household water use and find simple daily savings, with further updates and advice available in the Conservation section of the site.