Uisce Éireann has lifted the Water Conservation Order in Waterford two weeks earlier than planned.

The order had been due to remain in place until the end of September, but has now been lifted with immediate effect.

Uisce Éireann says improved rainfall and water availability, along with reduced usage by households, businesses, farms and communities, helped ease pressure on supplies.

The nationwide order was introduced in July following a prolonged period of dry weather and exceptionally high demand.

Mairead Conlon, Asset Strategy Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, thanked communities across Waterford for cutting back on non-essential water use.

She said those efforts helped protect supplies for homes, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.

Uisce Éireann is still encouraging people to use water carefully, saying some water sources will take longer to fully recover.

The order has also been lifted today in the remaining counties where restrictions were still in place.