Uisce Éireann Implements Nationwide Hosepipe Ban Through August 26

The national water utility Uisce Éireann has implemented a nationwide Water Conservation Order effective from 12:01 am Friday, July 24, through August 26, 2026. The measure expands existing restrictions previously limited to Dublin, South Tipperary, and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford, and Wicklow to all 26 counties in Ireland. The ban prohibits the use of hosepipes or similar apparatus for non-commercial activities, including watering gardens, washing private cars and boats, and filling domestic swimming pools or ornamental fountains. Hand-held containers remain permitted.

The utility cited a prolonged period of hot weather and below-average rainfall, which have strained groundwater yields and treated drinking-water supplies. In the south-east, soil-moisture deficits have exceeded 80mm. To further protect supplies for homes and essential services, nighttime restrictions remain in effect for 53 of the country's 700 water supplies in high-pressure areas.

Uisce Éireann officials, including managers across various regions, have urged the public to avoid non-essential water use, stating that "every drop counts." However, the utility faces criticism over infrastructure inefficiency. The European Commission reported that Ireland lost 36% of its treated water through leakage in 2024, and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities recently applied a €20 million financial adjustment to the utility for failing to meet leakage-reduction targets. To address long-term pressures, the utility has proposed a 172km pipeline to transport water from the River Shannon in County Tipperary to Dublin.