A Water Conservation Order is being extended to Co. Waterford as Uisce Éireann rolls out a nationwide hosepipe ban to protect public water supplies.

The Order will come into effect from 12.01am on Friday, July 24th and will remain in place until Wednesday, August 26th, extending restrictions already in force in parts of the country.

Uisce Éireann says the move is necessary due to continued hot weather, below-average rainfall and exceptionally high demand for water, which have placed significant pressure on supplies across Ireland.

In recent weeks, the utility has introduced a number of measures across Waterford to help maintain supplies, including enhanced leak repairs, pressure management and public water conservation campaigns.

It says early signs show water use in the county is beginning to fall, but is urging customers to continue avoiding unnecessary water use.

Fionnuala Callery of Uisce Éireann thanked customers in Waterford for their efforts so far.

‘We are asking everyone across Waterford to use only what they need and to avoid any non-essential water use until conditions improve.’

She added that while water consumption in the county is beginning to decrease, pressure on supplies remains high.

Under the Water Conservation Order, the use of hosepipes for non-essential purposes is prohibited. This includes watering gardens, washing private cars, filling domestic swimming or paddling pools, topping up ornamental ponds and operating ornamental fountains.

Uisce Éireann is encouraging people to continue conserving water by taking shorter showers, repairing leaks and avoiding the use of hosepipes and garden sprinklers.

The utility says a single garden hose can use around 1,000 litres of water in an hour, which is more than the average household uses in an entire day.

The company is also asking the public to report any visible leaks on the public water network as efforts continue to safeguard supplies for homes, businesses and essential services.