Uisce Éireann confirms it will lift Water Conservation Order for 13 counties and thanks the public for efforts to help protect supplies

Order will be lifted from 26 August in Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath. 

Order extended to the end of September for the following 13 counties where supplies need more time to recover: Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. 

24 August 2026 - Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the Water Conservation Order will be lifted across much of the country following an improvement in the availability of water for supply and increased rainfall. 

The nationwide Water Conservation Order currently in place is due to expire at 23:59 on Wednesday, 26 August. It was introduced on 24 July following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, high water use and increasing pressure on public water supplies. 

The decision reflects the positive impact of public water conservation efforts and improved conditions in many areas. In parts of the east and south, however, water sources and public water supplies remain under pressure and require continued protection. 

Uisce Éireann is asking customers in these 13 counties to continue avoiding non-essential water use. The extension will help conserve available water and protect supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services. 

Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water sources, demand and the availability of water for distribution.

  Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, thanked the public for the positive way they have responded to the Water Conservation Order. “We have received great support from the public for our water conservation appeal, which has helped reduce demand significantly in many areas. The collective efforts of communities to reduce unnecessary water use have made a real difference in protecting our essential supplies.  “The improvement in conditions means we can now lift the Order across many counties. That is a positive outcome and reflects the real difference people and businesses have made by reducing unnecessary water use.  “At the same time, supplies in parts of the east and south remain under pressure, and water sources in these areas will need more time to recover. For that reason, the Order will remain in place in 13 counties.  “We are asking customers in these areas to continue using only the water they need and to avoid non-essential use. We recognise the effort that people have already made, and we appreciate their continued support. Every drop saved will help us protect local supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs.” 

Customers in areas where the Order is being lifted are still encouraged to use water wisely. Simple steps such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose can help protect supplies.  

Uisce Éireann is continuing to take operational measures to maintain supplies, including maximising water production, repairing leaks, moving water by tanker where necessary and managing the network to reduce the risk of outages.   The public can help by reporting visible leaks on the public water network to Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or through water.ie. Additional water conservation advice is available at water.ie/conservation.