Uisce Éireann has announced a six-week hosepipe ban—formally known as a Water Conservation Order—for Mullingar (Co. Westmeath), Milford (Co. Donegal), and the Kells-Oldcastle area (Co. Meath), in response to critically low water levels caused by prolonged drought.
The ban, in effect until 11.59pm on Monday, 16 June, aims to safeguard water supplies for essential use. It follows a sharp decline in the levels of local lakes that serve the affected towns, primarily due to a significant rainfall deficit over the past seven months.
Met Éireann reports that rainfall since the start of October has been 28% below normal in all three regions—equivalent to just five months’ worth of rain over a seven-month span. This, they say, is the key driver of the current supply crisis.
Lough Owel, which supplies Mullingar, is now at its lowest level in 50 years. Lough Colmcille, which supplies Milford, and Lough Bane, serving Kells-Oldcastle, are both at historically low levels as well.
Under the Water Conservation Order, the following activities are prohibited:
– Watering gardens with a hosepipe
– Cleaning private vehicles with a hosepipe
– Filling or maintaining domestic swimming or paddling pools
– Filling or maintaining domestic fountains
– Cleaning patios, paved areas, walls, or windows using a hosepipe
Uisce Éireann says the restrictions are necessary to ensure that drinking water and other essential uses can be maintained in the weeks ahead.