Uisce Éireann Urges Water Conservation as Nighttime Restrictions Continue Across Cork

A new overnight water restriction begins tonight at Mitchelstown South Water Treatment Plant, as Uisce Éireann calls on customers across Cork to conserve water amid continuing demand pressures during the current warm spell.

Uisce Éireann is urging customers across parts of Cork to conserve water as demand for treated water continues to rise during the current spell of warm weather. The utility says it is actively monitoring the network, managing water resources, repairing leaks and implementing targeted measures to protect and support supplies where needed.

Although raw water sources remain at healthy levels, 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.

Contingency measures are in place, including targeted tankering operations to replenish treated water reservoirs and support areas experiencing increased demand.

In West Cork, along with Glendine in Youghal in East Cork, contingency tankering will continue to support local water supplies in Derryginach, Cahernacin, Jones Bridge, Ballyhilty, Drinagh, Minane Bridge and Nohoval. In North Cork, tankering will continue to Freemount and to Ballykenly (Johnstown).

To help protect daytime water supplies, overnight restrictions are also in place at Abbeystrewery Reservoir in Skibbereen, tonight and tomorrow night from 11pm until 6am; Enniskeane Reservoir, from 11pm until 6am; Johnstown Reservoir on the Ballykenly/Johnstown Scheme, from 11pm until 5.30am; Dunmahon Water Treatment Plant, from 11pm until 6am; and Nohoval, from 10.30pm until 7am.

A new overnight restriction is also being introduced from tonight at Mitchelstown South Water Treatment Plant, from 11pm until 6am.

Uisce Éireann says these nighttime restrictions are essential to allow treated water levels in the reservoirs to recover, ensuring a full and continuous daytime supply for homes, businesses and essential services in these areas. All contingency arrangements, including the nighttime restrictions, will remain under continuous review, with a further operational assessment scheduled for later this 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 also issued a number of simple water-saving tips for homes and businesses. These include checking that homes are leak free, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, which can save up to six litres of water per minute, choosing a shower over a bath, as a seven-minute shower uses significantly less water than the average bath, only running washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded, and considering a cistern displacement device to reduce water use when flushing.

A water conservation calculator and further water-saving advice are available at www.water.ie/conservation.

Customers can find the latest updates via the Uisce Éireann website and social media channels, or by contacting the customer care team, which is available 24/7. Customers can also sign up for free text alerts using their Eircode and mobile number.