Uisce Éireann Calls for Water Conservation in West and North Cork Amid Growing Demand

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

 Uisce Éireann is urging customers across West Cork and parts of North Cork to use water wisely as demand for treated water continues to rise during the current spell of warm weather. Uisce Éireann are actively monitoring the network, managing water resources, repairing leaks and implementing targeted measures to protect supplies where needed.

Although raw water sources remain at healthy levels, the sustained warm weather has significantly increased water usage. This means treated water is being used faster than it can be produced and replenished in local reservoirs, placing additional pressure on the network. Customers can help by making simple changes to their daily water use. Small actions taken at home, in businesses and across communities can make a meaningful difference, helping reservoirs recover and ensuring a reliable supply for everyone.

To support water supplies during this period of increased demand, Uisce Éireann has also put contingency measures in place across parts of West Cork and North Cork. These measures include targeted contingency tankering operations to replenish treated water reservoirs and support areas experiencing increased demand. The additional water helps maintain reservoir levels, protect local supplies and strengthen network resilience, ensuring a reliable water supply for customers during periods of sustained pressure on the system.

In West Cork, within the Bantry region, contingency tankering will continue to support water supplies in Nohoval, Derryginach and Cahernacin. In Clonakilty, tankering operations will remain in place to support customers in the Ardgehane and Reenascreena supply areas. Meanwhile, in North Cork, contingency tankering to Freemount will continue, alongside ongoing tankering operations supporting Courtbrack and Dunmahon-Glanworth.

To help protect water supplies, overnight restrictions will also remain in place at:
•    Johnstown Reservoir on the Ballykenly/Johnstown Scheme (11pm until 5.30am)
•    Dunmahon-Glanworth (11pm until 5.30am)
•    Nohoval (10.30pm until 7am) 

These nighttime restrictions are essential to allow treated water levels in the reservoirs to recover, in order to ensure a full and continuous daytime supply for homes, businesses and essential services in these areas.
All contingency arrangements including nighttime restrictions will remain under continuous review, with a further operational assessment scheduled for early next week. 

Niall O’Riordan, Operations Manager said: “As warmer weather continues to increase demand for water, we are calling on customers to take simple steps to reduce their water use and help protect local supplies. Every drop counts. By cutting back on non-essential water use and making small changes at home, in businesses and in outdoor spaces, everyone can help ease pressure on the network and ensure a reliable water supply for their community."

More information on water conservation can be found here.
 
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 litres.
• Turn off the tap: Not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to six 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 load.
• Fix dripping taps: A single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year.
• Use a basin in the sink: Use a basin when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plants.
• Clean 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 yard.
• Pick 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 drought.
• Lock 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 on our Report a Leak page.

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 Supply and Services section of our website.

Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at our Text Alerts page.