Water Conservation Order Lifted In Cork, Two Weeks Ahead Of Schedule

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the Water Conservation Order is being lifted with immediate effect in Cork, two weeks earlier than planned.

The decision reflects an increase in rainfall and water availability, alongside what Uisce Éireann describes as the extraordinary efforts made by households, businesses, farms and communities across Ireland to reduce water use. These efforts helped protect local water supplies during one of the hottest summers and driest July on record.

The nationwide Water Conservation Order was introduced in July, following a prolonged period of dry weather and exceptionally high demand that had placed significant pressure on public water supplies across the country. The Order had been due to remain in place until the end of September. It is now being lifted, from 16 September, for all remaining counties, including Cork.

Mairead Conlon, Uisce Éireann Asset Strategy Senior Manager, said:

"We want to thank households and communities across Cork for their support while the Water Conservation Order was in place. By cutting back on non-essential water use, people helped protect local supplies and maintain drinking water for the homes, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services that rely on it every day.

While the Water Conservation Order is ending earlier than planned, we are encouraging everyone to continue using water wisely. The past few months have shown the value of being mindful about how we use water and the positive impact small actions can have when taken together. Continued water conservation will help support the recovery of local water sources and ensure water remains available when communities need it most.

Rainfall over recent weeks has improved the overall picture, but recovery has not been the same everywhere across the country. Some areas, including parts of the Greater Dublin Area, Wexford and South Tipperary, require more time to return to the levels you would usually see at this time of year. Continued careful use of water will help protect these local sources and support their recovery in the weeks ahead."

Today's lifting of the Order for the final 13 counties follows its lifting on 26 August in Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.

Uisce Éireann notes that rainfall does not always lead to an immediate recovery in water sources, as recovery depends on local factors including rainfall levels in each catchment, ground dryness, the type of source used for public supply, local demand, reservoir storage, groundwater recharge, and the time it takes water to move through rivers, lakes, reservoirs and treatment systems.