Stress on supply for water as a result of the dry weather, agriculture, tourism and domestic water usage has prompted Uisce Éireann to implement a water conservation order, more widely known as a hosepipe ban, in certain areas.

The order impacts Dublin, south Co. Tipperary, and parts of counties Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow.

Uisce Éireann said Ireland is currently experiencing elevated drinking water stress due to high demand arising from the warm, settled and sunny conditions.

In the impacted areas, demand has increased significantly above normal seasonal levels, placing sustained pressure on water treatment plants, storage reservoirs, distribution networks, and some "raw" water sources.

Peak daily water flows are significantly above normal seasonal levels and persist later into the evening, before returning to typical overnight demand patterns.

As a result, the available window for replenishing treated water reservoirs has reduced considerably, leading to a gradual depletion of stored treated water reserves across much of the network, Uisce Éireann said.

The water infrastructure regulator said that Dublin, south Tipperary, and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow are likely to experience warmer-than-average conditions and below-average rainfall during July, August and September 2026.

"As access to a continuous water supply has a direct impact on public health, Uisce Éireann must ensure that sufficient treated water is available to meet customer demand," it said.

Apart from the dry weather, Uisce Éireann also cited increased water usage at popular tourist destinations, coastal towns and agricultural areas as further causes of water supply stress.

Water treatment plants across the affected areas are said to be operating at, or close to, their maximum production capacity.

The hosepipe ban prohibits the use of a hosepipe or similar apparatus in certain scenarios, including watering gardens; cleaning private motor vehicles; and filling ponds, fountains or similar water features.

The order will be in place initially for six weeks, but the duration and geographic scope may be extended.

Uisce Éireann said: "In unique circumstances, a water conservation order (or hosepipe ban) is introduced if absolutely necessary.

"Water conservation orders ensure that people only use water for essential purposes, in areas where there is a serious deficiency of water available for distribution," the regulator added.

"Conserving and reducing water consumption is these circumstances is critical to ensure continuity of supply," Uisce Éireann said.