Everything you need to know about Ireland’s hosepipe ban

The utility reported that the domestic customer water use is around 20% above normal levels assumed due to the hot summer weather and proliferation of data centres around the country.

Here is everything you need to know about the housepipe ban.

Where and when does it apply?

The ban, which started today at 00:01 Thursday 16th July, and applies to counties such as Dublin, South Tipperary, parts of Kildare, parts of Meath, parts of Wicklow and parts of Wexford. 

Although it is supposed to remain until 23:59 of 26th August, it could be lifted earlier or extended depending on any changing weather conditions.

What you can and can't do

The housepipe ban aims to reduce any non-essential water use to protect crucial services supplies and services for hospitals and homes. 

Activities that are considered non essential include:

The ban doesn’t restrain people from using water indoors for indispensable matters. Houseowners can continue to: 

• Drink tap water
• Shower and bathe
• Cook
• Flush toilets
• Wash clothes and dishes
•  Water plants using a watering can or bucket filled directly from the tap, rather than a hosepipe

​Uisce Éireann has also urged people to reduce their non-essential water use. For example, it encourages citizens to:

• Take short showers instead of a bath
• Turn of the tap and not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving 
• Only use your washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full load
• Fix dripping taps
• Use a basin in the sink when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plans
• Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the cold tap

Are there penalties?

While Uisce Éireannc doesn’t intend to pursue people to report one another, homeowners are allowed to report anyone they see breaking the housepipe ban by calling Uisce Éireann’s customer care team on 1800 278 278.

Breaching the ban can result in serious penalties, with court fines reaching up to €5,000.

Homeowners will be able to report anyone they see breaking the rule. 

​As high temperatures are expected to continue into next week, Uisce Éireann and Met Éireann advise people to take precautions and be aware of potential heat impacts.

The high temperature advisory is in place nationwide until Friday, followed by an expected dry weekend with temperatures reaching 22 to 26 degrees.