IRELAND Water issues four-week hosepipe ban: West Cork water levels at record low

DUBLIN: A hosepipe ban is being put in place for much of West Cork for the next four weeks as water levels are at "historic lows".

The ban comes into effect from midnight on Monday and will be in place for 30 supplies in the county. The water conservation order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users and commercial premises for non-commercial activities.

Irish Water said water supplies in West Cork have come under severe stress and that the ban is necessary due to the long period of dry weather.

When asked if the hose pipe ban in West Cork could extend to the rest of the country on RTÉ'S Morning Ireland, Irish Water spokesperson Margaret Attridge said that if the situation deteriorated then that could be necessary.

With the exception of last June, West Cork has experienced below-normal rainfall on average every month since November 2021, according to historical rainfall records.

The Roches Point weather station recorded only 6.3mm of rain between August 14 and August 23, compared to 18.4mm in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, and more than 32mm in Markree Castle, Co. Sligo.

In the upcoming weeks, more warm weather is expected, which will increase the demand on water resources.

According to Irish Water, the poor rainfall has had such a negative impact on water resources that it will take six to eight weeks of rain to restore them.

According to the report, the demand for water in West Cork has dramatically grown over the summer, especially in tourist and agricultural areas.

The utility claimed that it has been working with Cork County Council and that it is currently tankering water to three supplies in West Cork. However, it stated that over the next two weeks, it may need to increase that to other supplies as well.

The protection of our water supply for usage in residences, companies, and critical services is Irish Water's primary concern, according to Margaret Attridge.

"Water levels have dropped to unprecedented lows at our surface-water and ground-water sources in the West Cork region. We have gone above and beyond by putting in place a water conservation order to protect the local water supplies as demand in West Cork continues to exceed supply and additional dry weather is expected.

"Irish Water's records make it quite evident that hot weather increases water usage. In such conditions, using hoses for gardening, recreation, and other uses is more likely.

But using a hosepipe for an hour is similar to a family's daily water use, and this is typically a non-essential use of water, according to the study.

The ban, as said by Ms. Attridge, is the result of "a series of measures" that have already been implemented to protect supplies throughout the summer. These measures include pressure management, tankering water to reservoirs, nighttime shut-offs in some areas, and a public awareness campaign to emphasise the value of water conservation all year long.

While the water conservation directive is in effect, we will keep tracking water usage levels. In order to prevent limits and outages in the upcoming weeks and months, it is imperative that our water supply be safeguarded.