There is a ‘possibility’ Ireland’s nationwide hosepipe ban could be extended beyond next month’s planned end date, Uisce Éireann has warned.

The water conservation order comes into force across the country from midnight on Friday following weeks of soaring temperatures and exceptionally high demand for water.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Water Operations Manager for the South West, Brian O’Leary, said the restrictions are needed to protect supplies for homes, businesses and essential services in the weeks ahead.

‘The recent hot weather, which is set to continue with little or no rain and warm temperatures, has seen exceptionally high demand across the country,’ he said.

‘And that’s putting huge pressure on our sources, but also our treatment plants and our networks.’

Mr O’Leary said Uisce Éireann is taking ‘all measures possible’ to maintain water supplies, including investing heavily in repairing leaks across the network.

He said leakage has been reduced from 49% of the network to 33%, but urged the public to play their part by conserving water.

‘The nationwide water conservation order is really an appeal to all customers just to be mindful of their water usage by taking measures such as turning off the taps when brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, putting away the hose and using a watering can,’ he said.

‘I suppose the appeal today is really for the general public to get behind this as well and do their part by taking the small measures I mentioned.

‘Collectively, if we all reduce our demand a small bit, it’ll make a huge difference in protecting our water supplies.’

Around 53 of Ireland’s 700 public water supplies are already subject to overnight restrictions due to demand outstripping supply.

Mr O’Leary explained that valves are partially closed overnight to allow reservoirs to refill so customers continue to have water available the following morning.

The nationwide hosepipe ban is currently due to remain in place until August 26, but Mr O’Leary said that timeframe could change.

‘There is a possibility it could be reduced or extended depending on the weather,’ he said.