LAST UPDATE | 9 Jul 2025

UISCE ÉIREANN HAS issued a national appeal urging the public to conserve water amid pressure on supplies.

The water network is experiencing increased pressure on supply in several regions, Uisce Éireann has said. The counties most affected include Dublin, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Cork, Galway, Donegal, Meath, Westmeath, Clare, and Wexford. 

Water supplies are in drought status in several counties after a drier-than-normal autumn, winter and spring.

Three areas currently have water conservation orders in place; Mullingar (Co Westmeath), Milford (Co Donegal), and Kells-Oldcastle (Co Meath). 

Nationally, Uisce Éireann is appealing to the public to try to conserve water where possible.

“We’re committed to ensuring a reliable water supply throughout the summer months, and the support of our customers is an important element to achieve this,” said Margaret Attridge, Uisce Éireann’s head of water operations.

Some parts of the country will experience a cloudy start to today, with isolated showers in parts of the north and southwest. Sunny spells will break through in the early afternoon nationwide, leaving good warm spells of sunshine.

Highest temperatures today will be between 20 and 25 degrees, feeling cooler in parts of the northwest, in light westerly winds. Overnight, temperatures will drop to between 9 and 14 degrees.

Tomorrow will be a clear day, according to Met Éireann, with plenty of sunshine around. Some warm weather will be expected tomorrow, with the highest temperatures of 22 to 27 degrees in light southerly or variable winds.

The highest temperatures on Friday and Saturday could reach up to 28 degrees, potentially marking a heatwave, with very warm or hot days and widespread sunshine expected.

Uisce Éireann has given the following advice to households as the drought continues:

• Water the garden with a watering can, not a hose
• Wash the car with a bucket and sponge
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
• Take shorter showers
• Ensure appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded before use

It has also advised businesses to conduct water audits, appoint a water steward, invest in water-saving devices and to raise awareness through signage.

Contains reporting from Muiris O’Cearbhaill.