Uisce Éireann has lifted the Water Conservation Order with immediate effect across the final 13 counties, bringing the measure to an end a fortnight ahead of schedule.

The move follows increased rainfall and better water availability, alongside what the utility described as extraordinary efforts by households, businesses, farms and communities to curb demand. Those actions helped safeguard local supplies during one of the hottest summers and the driest July on record.

Introduced in July after a prolonged spell of dry weather and exceptionally high consumption, the nationwide order had been due to remain in place until the end of September in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. It has now been lifted in all remaining counties from today. 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."