Water conservation order in Carlow extended to end of September
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Uisce Éireann customers in Carlow have been asked to continue to avoid non-essential water use until the end of September, as public water supplies need more time to recover from the prolonged drought.
The water conservation order was introduced on 24 July for the entire country following a lengthy period of hot and dry weather, high water use and growing pressure on public water supplies.
Just 8.6 mm of rain fell between 1 July and 23 August 2026 at Oak Park meteorological station, Carlow. In the same two months last year, 97.3 mm of rainfall was recorded at Oak Park.
The nationwide order will expire on Wednesday, 26 August. Carlow and 12 other counties where water supplies are under pressure will remain under a conservation order until 30 September. The water company said reduced river flows and significant soil moisture deficits in the south east, as well as high demand for water are limiting the replenishment of local water sources.
Uisce Éireann continue to supplement supplies to the Carlow central regional water supply through tankering operations to help maintain water supplies for customers in Myshall, Fenagh, Ballon, Kildavin, Clonegal and Garyhill.
It said avoiding non-essential use will protect water supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services.
"Every drop saved will help protect local supplies and keep water available for essential daily needs," said Shane Aylward, water network operations manager with Uisce Éireann.
“Simple actions can make a real difference. Taking shorter showers, fixing dripping taps or leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose will all help.”
The public can help by reporting visible leaks on the public water network to Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or through water.ie. Further water conservation advice is available at water.ie/conservation.
