Overnight Water Restrictions to Affect Areas Near Clonakilty Amid High Demand

Uisce Éireann is introducing overnight water restrictions in parts of west Cork tonight after warm weather pushed demand beyond what the local treatment process can keep pace with.

The utility said customers in the Foxhall area near Clonakilty are being asked to conserve water, as increased use during the current spell of warm weather means supplies are being used faster than they can be treated. Uisce Éireann said raw water sources remain stable, but the level of demand is placing pressure on the treatment process, meaning treated water is being used more quickly than it can be produced and stored in local reservoirs. It warned that periods of sustained high demand can lead to reduced pressure and, in some cases, interruptions to supply.

To protect daytime supply for homes and businesses, targeted nighttime restrictions will be introduced at Foxhall Reservoir from 10pm tonight, 22 July 2026, until 6.30am on 23 July 2026. Customers in Froe, Roscabrey, Cahermore, Caherbeg and surrounding areas may experience lower water pressure or temporary disruptions to supply while the measures are in operation.

Uisce Éireann said it will continue to monitor water levels in Cork closely and adjust operations daily based on demand, usage and weather conditions, with a further operational assessment scheduled for midweek.

Niall O'Riordan, Operations Manager, Uisce Éireann, urged the community in Cork to support the conservation measures:

"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. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water."

Uisce Éireann has asked the public to take simple steps at home, in the garden and at work to help protect supply during this period. More information on water conservation is available at water.ie/conservation.

Tips to conserve water:

1. Use a rose-head watering can rather than a hose or sprinkler, aiming for the roots, and water plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation.
2. Take short showers instead of a bath: cutting shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute, compared with roughly 80 litres for a typical bath.
3. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving, which can save up to 6 litres a minute, and keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinks.
4. Only run washing machines and dishwashers with 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 when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes, and reuse that water for plants.
7. Wash the car with a bucket and sponge rather than a hose.
8. Install a water butt to collect rainwater from gutters for gardening or washing the yard.
9. Choose low-water plants such as lavender or olive trees; established plants and lawns often do not need watering unless there is a drought.
10. Add bark or plant material to flower beds to lock in moisture, or use gel beads in pots to keep roots hydrated.

Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network by calling Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278, or by visiting water.ie. Uisce Éireann's customer care team is available 24 hours a day on the same number, and customers can also get in touch via X at @IWCare. Further updates are available in the service and supply section of water.ie.

Uisce Éireann also operates a free text alert service giving real-time updates on local issues; customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number via water.ie.