Uisce Éireann Urges Cork Residents to Conserve Water This Summer

Uisce Éireann has launched a water conservation campaign urging Cork residents to adopt simple water-saving practices at home, in the garden, and at work, as warmer weather drives increased demand for treated water supplies.

The campaign, launched on 22 June 2026, comes as new research reveals that almost a third of Irish people are completely disengaged with any form of water conservation. A survey conducted by Ipsos/B&S for Uisce Éireann during the first quarter of 2026 found that 31% of those surveyed described themselves as "unengaged" when asked how much attention they normally paid to conserving water.

While most reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater sources across the country recovered following a wet winter, warmer weather leads to increased demand for treated water, which can place pressure on supplies.

Uisce Éireann is encouraging households to take a number of straightforward steps to reduce water use. Fixing leaking taps, cisterns, and pipes is a priority, as is turning off the tap while brushing teeth. Running the tap can consume up to six litres per minute compared to just one litre with it off.

Swapping baths for showers can also make a significant difference, as the average bath uses 80 litres of water while a seven-minute shower uses just 49 litres. In the garden, a rose head watering can is recommended over a hose or sprinkler, and installing a water butt to collect rainwater from gutters can help reduce reliance on the mains supply.

Ensuring dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded before each cycle is also advised. A modern washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water per cycle, while a dishwasher uses 20 litres, meaning full loads help reduce both water consumption and energy bills. Placing a displacement device into the toilet cistern, out of the way of moving parts, is another useful measure, as a third of all water used in the home is flushed down the toilet.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann, said that while current supplies were stable, a period of warm weather could quickly change the picture:

"While reservoirs, rivers and ground water sources recovered earlier this year, that does not guarantee water security for all areas in the months ahead. Our water system continues to face challenges from rising demand, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Even where supplies are stable, a period of dry or warm weather can quickly place pressure on some areas. That's why we're reminding people that every individual water saving action counts and using only what you need really helps to make a positive contribution that can benefit everyone.

A recent survey carried out for Uisce Eireann [sic] found that almost a third of people had no interest or awareness in water conservation. We're committed to building greater understanding of, and respect for, our precious water resources and that's why we are launching this campaign today. To support this, we have developed a suite of easy to use online resources including a free water conservation calculator which makes it easy for people to track their own and their family's water use. The calculator, along with lots of simple water saving tips, can be found at water.ie/conservation."

Uisce Éireann says it is already taking proactive measures in a small number of areas to limit interruptions to supply, while progress to reduce leakage, repair pipes, and manage the network more efficiently continues alongside record investment in water infrastructure to increase resilience and capacity.

Customers are asked to watch for signs of leaks on their property, such as persistent damp patches on lawns or driveways. Uisce Éireann's First Fix Free scheme provides a free repair for qualifying underground leaks on private property once identified. Leaks on the public network can be reported to the 24/7 helpdesk at 1800 278 278 or by visiting water.ie.