Following a nationwide hosepipe ban
18:36, 22 Jul 2026Updated 18:36, 22 Jul 2026
Water from a tap (stock)
Additional water restriction have been deemed “necessary” in part of West Cork – as the current spell of warm weather means “supplies are being used faster than water can be treated.”
Uisce Éireann has asked customers in the Foxhall area near Clonakilty to conserve water until Thursday morning. While raw water sources remain stable, the level of demand is placing pressure on the treatment process, which means treated water is being used more quickly than it can be produced and stored in local reservoirs.
Uisce Éireann explained: “Periods of sustained high demand can lead to reduced pressure and, in some cases, interruptions to the availability of water for customers.”
In a bid to relieve pressure on the system, night time water restrictions will be in place at Foxhall Reservoir from 10pm until 6.30am tomorrow morning. As a result customers in Froe, Roscabrey, Cahermore, Caherbeg and surrounding areas may experience lower water pressure or temporary disruptions to supply while these measures are in operation.
The restrictions follow the issuing of a nationwide hosepipe ban, to come into effect from just after midnight on Friday morning.
Uisce Éireann said that it will continue to monitor water levels closely in Cork and adjust operations daily based on demand, usage, and weather conditions. A further operational assessment is scheduled for mid-week.
Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann urged the community in West Cork to support the conservation measures:“Night time restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”
More information on water conservation can be found at https://www.water.ie/conservation/
Tips to Conserve Water
Drop the hose: Use a rose-head watering can over a hose or sprinkler. Aim for the roots. Water plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation.Take short showers instead of a bath: Reducing your shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute. A typical bath uses 80 litresTurn off the tap: Not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to 6 litres a minute. Keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinks.Fill up your appliances: Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full loadFix dripping taps: A single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water a yearUse a basin in the sink: Use a basin when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plantsClean the car with a sponge: When washing your car, avoid the hose and use a bucket and sponge instead.Install a water butt: Use it to collect rainwater from your gutters for gardening or washing the yardPick plants wisely: Opt for low-water plants like lavender or olive trees. Established plants and lawns often don’t need watering unless there’s a droughtLock in moisture: Add bark or plant material to flower beds to prevent evaporation or use gel beads in pots to keep roots hydrated.
Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at Report a Leak. Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie.
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