Nighttime Water Restrictions to Continue in Skibbereen Until Further Review on 3 July

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that targeted nighttime water restrictions in Skibbereen will remain in place to support reservoir recovery and safeguard daytime supply for homes and businesses, with a further review scheduled for Friday, 03 July 2026.

The restrictions were introduced on Wednesday, 24 June and remained in place over the weekend. Customers in Skibbereen, Lake Cross, Union Hall, Squince, Myross, Castletownsend, Sandycove, Tragumna, Lough Hyne, Coom and surrounding areas may experience low pressure or a disruption to their water supply between 10.30pm each night and 7am the following morning.

While raw water sources remain stable, the level of demand is placing pressure on the treatment process. This means treated water is being used more quickly than it can be produced and stored in local reservoirs. Customers are being encouraged to reduce usage during the day where possible to help maintain supply and support the overnight recovery measures.

Tankering remains in place in Bantry as a contingency measure to support the Derryginach and Cahernacrin schemes, with additional tankering underway at Leap Reservoir.

Uisce Éireann will continue to closely monitor water levels in Skibbereen, Bantry and Leap, with daily operational decisions guided by demand, usage patterns and prevailing weather conditions.

Niall O'Riordan, Operations Manager, Uisce Éireann:

"Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all."

Simple steps taken at home, in the garden and at work can make a real difference in protecting supply during this period. Uisce Éireann has shared the following water conservation tips:

1. Drop the hose: use a rose-head watering can rather than a hose or sprinkler, aim for the roots, and water plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation.
2. Take short showers rather than a bath: reducing your shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute; a typical bath uses 80 litres.
3. Turn off the tap: not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to 6 litres a minute. Keep a jug of water in the fridge for cold drinks.
4. Fill up your appliances: only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full load.
5. Fix dripping taps: a single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year.
6. Use a basin in the sink: use a basin when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plants.
7. Clean the car with a sponge: avoid the hose and use a bucket and sponge instead.
8. Install a water butt: collect rainwater from your gutters for gardening or washing the yard.
9. Pick plants wisely: opt for low-water plants such as lavender or olive trees; established plants and lawns often do not need watering unless there is a drought.
10. Lock in moisture: add bark or plant material to flower beds to prevent evaporation, or use gel beads in pots to keep roots hydrated.

Further information on water conservation is available at water.ie/conservation.

Any leaks in the public water network can be reported to Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at water.ie. The customer care team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the same number, and customers can also contact @IWCare on X with any queries.

Customers can sign up for Uisce Éireann's free real-time text alert service using their Eircode and mobile number at water.ie.