Ireland extends hosepipe ban nationwide from Friday as groundwater stress mounts

Nationwide ban from Friday

The water conservation order, commonly called a hosepipe ban, will apply to all 26 counties from 00:01 on Friday 24 July until 26 August 2026. Uisce Éireann announced the extension on 21 July, expanding a ban already in place for Dublin, south Tipperary, and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow. The utility said the move is to "help protect public water supplies now and in the months ahead".

Why the ban is needed

Recent hot weather and low rainfall have driven exceptionally high demand, intensifying pressure on water sources and treated drinking water supplies. Several groundwater sources are showing signs of stress, with reduced or no yields in a number of areas. Soil moisture deficits, a key drought indicator, have reached more than 80mm in the south-east, meaning that amount of rain would be needed just to restore average soil moisture levels. Met Éireann's extended forecast indicates temperatures are expected to remain above average and rainfall below average in the period ahead. Uisce Éireann warned that if prevailing conditions continue, the ban could be extended beyond 26 August, though it could also be lifted early if weather improves.

Despite Met Éireann forecasting much-needed rain over the coming days and into the weekend, Uisce Éireann said any rain that does fall will not compensate for the long periods of drought or near-drought experienced across the country in recent weeks. The weekend is forecast to be changeable, with the possibility of outbreaks of rain everywhere, but the utility stressed that the ban is still necessary.

What is prohibited

The ban prohibits using a hosepipe or similar apparatus for watering gardens, cleaning private vehicles or leisure boats, and filling or maintaining domestic swimming or paddling pools. Filling or maintaining domestic ponds (except fish ponds) and ornamental fountains is also banned, unless for commercial purposes. The use of water in hand-held containers remains permitted. The order does not apply to those who source their water privately.

Regional rainfall disparity

Ireland is one of Europe's wettest countries, but rainfall and drinking water are not the same. Dr Shaun Harrigan, Assistant Professor of Hydroclimatology at Maynooth University, explained that most rain falls in the west, while most people live in the east. Eastern areas typically receive 750–1,000mm annually, compared to 1,000–1,400mm in the west. Rain falling in Mayo, Kerry or Donegal cannot automatically replenish reservoirs supplying Dublin, Kildare or Meath; it must fall within the relevant catchment or be transported through infrastructure. This spring, Met Éireann reported wetter than average conditions in the west but drier in the south and east, with Casement Aerodrome in Dublin recording just 34% of its average May rainfall.

Dr Harrigan said: "Ireland doesn't have a rainfall problem. We sometimes have a water storage and treated supply problem." He added that it is very difficult and expensive to treat water, and that national rainfall totals can conceal large regional differences.

Official response and outlook

Mairéad Conlon, Uisce Éireann's asset strategy senior manager, said there had been a good response in Dublin to the earlier order. "We are asking everyone to use only what they need and to avoid any non-essential water use until conditions improve," she said. "Every drop counts. Continued support from the public will help reduce pressure on supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs." Night-time restrictions are already in place on 53 of 700 water supplies, mainly where local sources are under pressure. Uisce Éireann continues to maximise production, repair leaks, tanker water and operate the network to minimise outages.