Mayo urged to cut water use as Uisce Éireann extends water conservation order
Hosepipe ban to take effect from Friday as hot weather and low rainfall continue to put pressure on water supplies
Uisce Éireann has announced that its Water Conservation Order will be extended nationwide from Friday, July 24 until Wednesday, August 26, as prolonged hot weather and low rainfall continue to put significant pressure on public water supplies.
The order, which already applies in Dublin and parts of several counties, will now include Mayo, where customers are being urged to avoid all non-essential water use to help protect supplies for homes, businesses and essential services.
In the past few weeks, Mayo has already introduced different measures - leakage repair works, pressure management, water conservation campaigns - to protect water supplies.
A number of water supplies in Erris, Bonniconlon, Mulranny and Kiltimagh remain under pressure, while a Boil Water Notice also remains in place for the Achill Public Water Supply.
Uisce Éireann Regional Operations Senior Manager Anthony Skeffington thanked customers for their efforts to conserve water and urged the public to continue reducing unnecessary use.
“Early indications show that people are supporting the Water Conservation Order already in place,” he said. “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,” he added. “Continued support from the public will help reduce pressure on supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs.”
Under the Water Conservation Order, the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, washing private vehicles, filling paddling pools, ponds and ornamental fountains is prohibited.
Uisce Éireann is encouraging households to take shorter showers, fix leaks and continue using water responsibly as, according to Met Eireann, above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall are expected to continue in the coming weeks.