Here is all you need to know about the hosepipe ban
What is a hosepipe ban?
A hosepipe ban, otherwise known as a Water Conservation Order, are introduced under exceptional circumstances to ensure people only use water for essential purposes. This is usually done in areas where there is a deficiency in the water supply for distribution.
Where and when are they being introduced?
Uisce Éireann have confirmed that a Water Conservation Order will be in place for Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Kildare, Wexford and South Tipperary from Thursday, July 16 to Wednesday, August 26. As the warm weather continues, this could be expanded.
Why are they being introduced?
Water shortages are the main reasons for Water Conservation Orders, and climate change has caused weather events across the country. These events put pressure on the system, through prolonged dry spells or periods of intense flooding.
What can I not do?
Uisce Éireann say that 20% of domestic water use is above typical levels, and this is largely driven by non-essential outdoor use.
Banned activities include:
- Watering a 'garden'.
- cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a hosepipe
- cleaning a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
- filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool (except when using hand held containers filled directly from a tap)
- filling or maintaining a domestic pond (excluding fish ponds) using a hosepipe;
- filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain (with the exception of such use for commercial purposes).
- Use of water for filling or replenishing a swimming pool, artificial pond, lake or similar application.
What if there are no bans in my area?
Uisce Éireann have said that while the order only applies to affected areas, they are urging people nationwide to reduce non-essential water use, as supplies will remain under pressure.
Households, farms and businesses can help by taking shorter showers, putting the hosepipe down, reusing household water in the garden and checking for leaks.