Waterford’s Water Conservation Order is being extended until the end of September as local water supplies remain under pressure.

The nationwide order is due to expire at 11.59pm on Wednesday, August 26th, but restrictions will remain in Waterford and 12 other counties until September 30th.

Uisce Éireann says supplies serving Waterford City, Tramore and surrounding areas continue to operate at the upper end of historic production levels.

Pressure also remains on supplies in Abbeyside, An Rinn, Ballyguiry, Ballmacarbry, Cappoquin, Clashmore, Deelish, Dungarvan, Lacken, Ballyduff Upper, Pairc an Aonaigh, Portlaw, Stradbally, Tallow, Tinabinna, Touraneena and Villierstown.

The original order was introduced on July 24th following an extended period of hot and dry weather and increased demand for water.

Uisce Éireann says recent rainfall and conservation efforts have improved conditions in many parts of the country, but Waterford’s supplies need more time to recover.

Fionnuala Callery, Regional Water Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, thanked people across the county for reducing their water use.

‘Although conditions have improved in many parts of the country, Waterford water sources and public water supplies need more time to recover,’ she said.

‘Extending the Water Conservation Order will help us protect the water that is available and reduce the risk of disruption to customers.’

The order restricts the use of hosepipes for activities including watering gardens, washing private vehicles and filling domestic swimming or paddling pools.

Uisce Éireann is asking customers to continue avoiding non-essential water use while the restrictions remain in place.