Communities Urged to Conserve Water as Nighttime Restrictions Continue in West and North Cork This Weekend

• Contingency tankering also set to continue to support local water supplies

Uisce Éireann is urging customers across parts of West Cork and North Cork to conserve water as demand for treated water continues to rise during the current spell of warm weather. Nighttime restrictions remain in place in several areas this weekend, with a new restriction being introduced from tonight at Reenascreena.

Uisce Éireann said it is actively monitoring the network, managing water resources, repairing leaks and implementing targeted measures to protect and support supplies where needed.

While raw water sources remain at healthy levels, the utility said the sustained warm weather has significantly increased water usage. This means treated water is being used faster than it can be produced and replenished in local reservoirs, placing additional pressure on the network.

Uisce Éireann has also put contingency measures in place, including targeted tankering operations to replenish treated water reservoirs and support areas experiencing increased demand. In West Cork, within the Bantry region, contingency tankering will continue to support local water supplies in Nohoval, Derryginach and Cahernacin. In Clonakilty, tankering operations will remain in place to support customers in the Ardgehane and Reenascreena supply areas, and tankering is also now in place in Leap. In North Cork, contingency tankering to Freemount will continue, alongside ongoing tankering operations supporting Courtbrack and Dunmahon-Glanworth.

Overnight restrictions are in place at:

• Johnstown Reservoir on the Ballykenly/Johnstown Scheme (11pm until 5.30am)
• Dunmahon-Glanworth (11pm until 5.30am)
• Nohoval (10.30pm until 7am)

A new overnight restriction is being introduced from tonight at:

• Reenascreena Public Water Supply near Clonakilty (10.30pm until 7am)

Uisce Éireann said the nighttime restrictions are essential to allow treated water levels in the reservoirs to recover, in order to ensure a full and continuous daytime supply for homes, businesses and essential services in these areas. All contingency arrangements, including nighttime restrictions, will remain under continuous review, with a further operational assessment scheduled for early next week.

Niall O'Riordan, Operations Manager:

"As warmer weather continues to increase demand for water, we are calling on customers to take simple steps to reduce their water use and help protect local supplies. Every drop counts. By cutting back on non-essential water use and making small changes at home, in businesses and in outdoor spaces, everyone can help ease pressure on the network and ensure a reliable water supply for their community."

Uisce Éireann has shared the following water-saving tips:

• Check your home is leak free, and fix any dripping taps, cisterns or pipes
• Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, which can save up to six litres of water per minute
• Choose showers over baths, as a seven-minute shower uses significantly less water than the average bath
• Only run washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded
• Consider using a cistern displacement device to reduce water use

Customers can access the water conservation calculator and further advice at water.ie/conservation. Updates are also available on the Uisce Éireann website and social media channels, or via the customer care team, which is available 24/7. Customers can also sign up for free text alerts using their Eircode and mobile number.