UISCE ÉIREANN IS ”urgently calling” on the public not to use the garden hose this weekend, and for as long as the hot weather continues, as drinking water usage remains “exceptionally high”.

It said a new record for daily water use has been made in the Greater Dublin Area, where 693 million litres was used in one day – 50 million litres above the year-to-date average.

It is appealing to everyone in the Greater Dublin Area to adopt water-saving habits where possible to safeguard supply and avoid “more restrictive measures”.

The state body said the current high water usage “places significant pressure on the water network” and is driven by a combination of garden watering, power hosing and other outdoor domestic water used.

“Night-time restrictions in the Greater Dublin Area are under active consideration if water use is not reduced,” Uisce Éireann said in a statement.

“While Uisce Éireann is working to avoid restrictions where possible, this pattern of continued high use is increasing risk to supplies. Reservoir levels are dropping by up to 30 million litres on peak usage days, underlining the need for urgent conservation now by everyone.”

The Greater Dublin Area, which includes counties Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, has recorded the highest water use according to Uisce Éireann, however, it said supplies are also under pressure in parts of Wexford and South Tipperary.

“In Wexford, the Wexford Town, Fardystown, Taylorstown and Gorey water treatment plants are producing 4 million litres more water each day than the average daily demand recorded in 2025. In South Tipperary, water treatment plants are producing 1 million litres more water each day than the 2025 average,” it added.

Customers have been encouraged to check homes, farms and businesses for leaks, dripping taps and leaking toilets.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, said: “Simple changes can make a big difference. By reducing non-essential water use now, we can help protect supplies for homes, hospitals, farms, businesses and essential services, ensuring there is enough water for everyone”.

“We know people want to enjoy their gardens and outdoor spaces during the good weather, but treated drinking water is a precious resource and demand is currently at record levels,” she said.

“We are asking customers to drop the hose and avoid using sprinklers, particularly for watering lawns. While grass may turn yellow during dry spells, it typically recovers quickly when rain returns.”

Earlier this week Uisce Éireann issued tips for households and businesses to save water.

It recommended taking showers rather than baths, not letting the tap run while brushing teeth, only use washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded and consider using a cistern displacement device to reduce water use.