UPDATE: Water conservation order lifted in Mayo

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the Water Conservation Order will be lifted in Mayo following improved water availability and increased rainfall.

The nationwide Water Conservation Order, introduced on July 24 after a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, high water usage and growing pressure on public supplies, is due to expire at 11.59 pm on Wednesday, August 26.

Uisce Éireann said the decision to lift the order in Mayo reflects the positive impact of public efforts to conserve water, alongside improving weather and water supply conditions.

However, water sources and public supplies remain under pressure in parts of the east and south, meaning continued conservation efforts are still required.

Night-time water restrictions remain in place for customers on the Erris Regional Water Supply Scheme, where demand continues to be high. Uisce Éireann said its operational teams are closely monitoring the supply and hope to lift the restrictions in the coming days.

Mairead Conlon, Asset Strategy Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, thanked the public for the positive way they have responded to the Water Conservation Order.

“We have received great support from the public for our water conservation appeal, which has seen demand reduce significantly in many areas. The collective efforts of communities to reduce unnecessary water use have made a real difference in protecting our essential supplies. 

“The improvement in conditions means we can now lift the Order across many counties. That is a positive outcome and reflects the real difference people and businesses have made by reducing unnecessary water use. 

“We are asking customers in these areas to continue to use water wisely. Simple steps such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose can help protect supplies,” she concluded.

Despite the lifting of the order in Mayo, customers are being encouraged to continue using water wisely through the autumn.

Uisce Éireann said it will continue to monitor water sources, demand and the availability of water for distribution. Operational measures include maximising water production, repairing leaks, transporting water by tanker where necessary and managing the network to reduce the risk of outages.