Hosepipe in place for Cork county to end next week 

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the water conservation order, otherwise known as the hosepipe ban, for Cork county is set to end next week.

While the agency is encouraging communities across Cork county to continue conserving water into the autumn/winter period, they have confirmed that the hosepipe ban will end on Tuesday, September 16.

Several supplies across the county remain in drought, including Ballincurrig/Lisgoold, Dursey Island, Kilnagorteen, Nohoval, and Whitechurch, which are currently being supplemented by tankered water — as well as Clonakilty.

Grateful

Brian O’Leary, who is the regional operations manager at Uisce Éireann, said the company is “extremely grateful to the people of Cork for their efforts to conserve water over the summer”.

“Now that the hosepipe ban is lifted, it’s more important than ever that we don’t lose momentum,” said Mr O’Leary.

“Many supplies across the county remain under pressure, and while the weather is changing, it will take time for our sources to fully recover.

“In fact, well levels in several areas have shown no signs of improvement, and tankering remains essential to maintain supply.

“We’re doing everything we can to protect and maintain water supplies, but we also need the public’s continued support.

“Even small changes in how we use water can make a big difference.”

Conserve

Mr O’Leary further highlighted a number of steps that individuals can take to continue efforts to conserve water.

These include: Turning off the tap when performing tasks like brushing your teeth, as a running tap can waste up to six litres of water per minute; switching to a shower instead of a bath, as showers use about half the amount of water; taking shorter five-minute showers, as the average shower uses seven litres of water per minute; fully loading your appliances before use, as a typical washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water, and a dishwasher uses around 20 litres per cycle; switching to a watering can to water your plants instead of a hose or sprinkler; and using a bucket and sponge to clean your car instead of a hose or power washer — as this can save hundreds of litres of water.

While the water conservation order will end this week in Cork, there are three other counties where the ban remains active, Donegal, Westmeath, and Meath.

For more information on water conservation or to access Uisce Éireann’s water conservation calculator, visit

https://www.water.ie.