Hosepipe ban extended for entire country - here's what you can't do under new rules

The ban comes after one of Ireland’s largest hot spells in recent years which has put drinking water supplies under pressure | Stock

placeholder image — The ban comes after one of Ireland’s largest hot spells in recent years which has put drinking water supplies under pressure | Stock

The ban for every county in Ireland will come into effect on Friday and remain place until the end of August

A hosepipe ban has been introduced for every county across Ireland from Friday July 24 until Wednesday August 26.

The nationwide ban comes after one of Ireland’s largest hot spells in recent years which has put drinking water supplies under pressure.

Under these rules, households are not allowed use hosepipes or similar equipment for the likes of: Watering gardens, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools or use of fountains or garden ponds unless for commercial purposes.

The month long Water Conservation Order is only put in place by Uisce Éireann if there is a threat of insufficient water supplies to homes, farms and businesses in the coming weeks.

Uisce Éireann is pleading with the public to only use the water they need and to use water-saving methods like shorter showers and fixing leaking taps.

The company said a garden hose or sprinkler can consumer more water in one hour than an average family uses throughout an entire day.

Uisce Éireann has also set up a ‘Make A Complaint’ page on their website to report homeowners who are breaking the hosepipe ban which is in place until August 26 but could be extended or cut short depending on conditions.

Homeowners can submit an incident on Uisce Éireann’s Make a Complaint Page or by calling the customer service line at 1800 278 278.

Asset Strategy Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, Máiread Conlon told RTE:

"Early indications show that people are supporting the Water Conservation Order already in place, with water usage in the Greater Dublin Area beginning to decrease.

"I want to thank everyone who has taken steps to conserve water. This is making a difference, but pressures remain high and we are now asking people across the country to continue reducing non-essential use.

"Every drop counts. Continued support from the public will help reduce pressure on supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs."