Hosepipe Ban for Cork County Begins Saturday as Water Supplies Reach Critical Levels

• Cork County residents face water restrictions from 26 July to 16 September as rainfall drops 37% below average and tourist season peaks, though Cork City remains unaffected.

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a Water Conservation Order will prohibit the use of garden hosepipes across Cork County from this Saturday, following months of below-average rainfall that has left water sources critically low.

The ban, running from 26 July until 16 September, comes as weather data reveals rainfall at Roches Point was 37% below historical averages for May, June and July, whilst Sherkin Island recorded 28% less rain than normal. The order applies to Cork County only; Cork City water supplies remain sufficient.

Brian O'Leary, Regional Water Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann:

"While it may often feel like Ireland gets plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Cork County have not had their usual seasonal recharge, and we are now heading into the height of summer and tourism season, when we typically see a surge in demand, with lower-than-average water levels."

The situation has already forced emergency measures in West Cork, where tankers have been delivering water to reservoirs in the Skibbereen, Leap and Goleen areas due to dangerously low source levels combined with high demand.

The conservation order prohibits using hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning vehicles or boats, filling swimming pools, maintaining ponds or ornamental fountains, and other non-essential uses. Businesses must also comply with the ban for non-commercial activities, though Uisce Éireann is working with large commercial users to reduce consumption.

O'Leary added:

"Using a hosepipe for one hour is the equivalent of the daily water usage of an average family and this is generally a non-essential use of water. We are calling on everyone to play their part so we can maintain supply over the summer months."

The conservation order follows similar restrictions already imposed in Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, as drought conditions affect much of the south. Earlier this year, hosepipe bans were introduced in parts of Meath, Donegal and Westmeath.

Uisce Éireann has implemented leakage detection programmes and pipe repairs to conserve supplies, but officials stress that public cooperation is essential. The utility recommends leaving hosepipes and pressure washers unused, reusing household water for gardens, and taking shorter showers.

Residents can report leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann 24/7 at 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie, where a water conservation calculator helps households track their usage.

The impoundment at Crookhaven in West Cork has already reached historically low levels, highlighting the severity of the situation as Cork heads into peak tourist season with depleted water reserves.