UISCE ÉIREANN HAS extended the current nationwide hosepipe ban until the end of September for some 13 counties.

The nationwide water conservation order, commonly referred to as a hosepipe ban, is due to expire at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 26 August.

It was introduced on 24 July following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, high water use and increasing pressure on public water supplies. 

However, this hosepipe ban will be extended until the end of September for: Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.

Uisce Éireann said these counties have water supplies that “need more time to recover”.

While Uisce Éireann said the impact of the hosepipe ban has had a “positive impact”, it added that in parts of the east and south, water sources and public water supplies “remain under pressure and require continued protection”. 

Hosepipe bans prohibit the use of a hosepipe or similar apparatus for activities such as watering a garden, cleaning a private motor vehicle, or cleaning a private leisure boat.

It also prohibits filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool, filling or maintaining a domestic pond (excluding fish ponds) and filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain, except where required for commercial purposes.

Uisce Éireann said it will continue to monitor water sources, demand and the availability of water for distribution.  

Margaret Attridge, head of water operations with Uisce Éireann, said that the “improvement in conditions means we can now lift the Order across many counties”.

She added: “At the same time, supplies in parts of the east and south remain under pressure, and water sources in these areas will need more time to recover.

“For that reason, the Order will remain in place in 13 counties. 

“We recognise the effort that people have already made, and we appreciate their continued support.

“Every drop saved will help us protect local supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs.” 

Customers in areas where the hosepipe ban is being lifted are still being encouraged to “use water wisely”.

Uisce Éireann meanwhile said it is continuing to take operational measures to maintain supplies, including maximising water production, repairing leaks, moving water by tanker where necessary and managing the network to reduce the risk of outages.