County Wide Water Conservation Order in place for Wexford will lapse on 16 September 2025
Customers are urged to continue water conservation as hosepipe ban ends but drought persists
Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section
Uisce Éireann can confirm that the Water Conservation Order (WCO), commonly referred to as a hosepipe ban, for County Wexford will lapse on 16 September 2025.
Uisce Éireann is encouraging the public in County Wexford to continue conserving water as we move into the Autumn months. We would like to sincerely thank the people of Wexford for their strong support and cooperation throughout the summer. The community’s efforts to reduce water usage and report leaks have been instrumental in protecting local supplies during a period of unprecedented pressure.
However, while restrictions may be lifted, Uisce Éireann is urging everyone to remain vigilant and continue using water wisely.
Several supplies across the county remain in drought, including Ballyhogue, Gorey (Rural) and Fardystown, while both South Regional WSS and Gorey (Urban) remain in potential drought status.
“We’re extremely grateful to the people of Wexford for their efforts to conserve water over the summer,” said Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann.
“Now that the hosepipe ban is lifted, it’s more important than ever that we don’t lose momentum. Many supplies across the county remain under pressure, and while the weather is changing, it will take time for our sources to fully recover. In fact, well levels in several areas have shown no signs of improvement.
“We’re doing everything we can to protect and maintain water supplies, but we also need the public’s continued support. Even small changes in how we use water can make a big difference."
Below are some easy water-saving tips:
• Turn off the tap: Brushing your teeth with the tap running wastes up to six litres of water per minute. Turning it off while brushing can reduce that to just one litre.
• Switch to a shower: Showers use about half the amount of water as baths. Invest in water saving appliances such as water efficient taps and shower heads.
• Shorter showers: With the average shower using seven litres of water per minute by turning your five-minute shower into four minutes, you could save up to seven litres of water per day!
• Fully load your appliances: Always ensure your dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before use. A typical washing machine uses approximately 65 litres of water, and a dishwasher uses around 20 litres per cycle. By ensuring they are fully loaded, not only will you conserve water, but you will also reduce your energy bills.
• Leave the hose in the shed: Drop the hose and use a rose head watering can water your plants instead of a hose or sprinkler. Running a hose for just one hour uses as much water as a family would typically need in an entire day.
• Bucket and sponge for your car: Using a bucket and sponge to wash your car can save hundreds of litres of water compared to using a hose or power washer.
For more information on water conservation and to access our Water Conservation Calculator.
Previous Updates
Uisce Éireann is reminding customers in Wexford that a Water Conservation Order — commonly known as a hosepipe ban — is still in place in County Wexford until 16 September 2025.
The restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.
The Order was put in place following a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.
It was essential that a Water Conservation Order was introduced to reduce the potential of restrictions and outages over the coming weeks and months.
Met Éireann’s data tells us that rainfall in Wexford during May, June, and July has been significantly below average when compared to long-term rainfall records. A total of 158.9 mm of rainfall was measured by Met Éireann at their Johnstown Castle weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years —over 27% less rainfall recorded locally.
Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, said: “Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services. While it may often feel like Ireland receives plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Wexford have not had their usual seasonal recharge.
“In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management. With demand continuing to outstrip supply in some areas — and further dry weather anticipated — we are reminding the public that the Water Conservation Order remains in place to help protect the local water supply.
“Our data clearly shows that warm weather drives a significant increase in water demand, particularly for non-essential uses like gardening and outdoor cleaning. For example, using a hosepipe for just one hour can use as much water as a family typically consumes in an entire day.
“This Order builds on a range of measures Uisce Éireann has already implemented in recent months, including intensified leak detection and repair programmes, and a public awareness campaign on the importance of conserving water year-round.
“We will continue to monitor water consumption while the Order remains in place. Protecting our water supply is essential if we are to avoid more severe restrictions or supply interruptions in the weeks and months ahead.
“We are also actively engaging with commercial water users to support their conservation efforts and reduce unnecessary usage.
“There are many simple but effective ways to save water — from taking shorter showers to reusing household water in the garden. The key message is: leave the hose and pressure washer in the shed.
“We are calling on everyone to continue to do their part so we can maintain a sustainable water supply throughout the summer,” Fionnuala added.
The Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users, as well as commercial premises for non-commercial activities — such as watering gardens attached to a business premises.
To support households and businesses in conserving water, Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use Water Conservation Calculator, which allows users to estimate how much water they’re saving and how to save even more. The calculator and additional tips are available on the Water Conservation section of our website.
Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a Water Conservation Order — commonly known as a hosepipe ban — will come into effect across County Wexford from Saturday, 26 July 2025, until 16 September 2025.
The Water Conservation Order has been issued in a bid to safeguard the water supply for essential purposes. In accordance with statutory requirements, public notices outlining the restrictions will appear in national newspapers on 24 July 2025. These restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.
The implementation of this Order follows a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, now placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.
It is essential that a Water Conservation Order is introduced to reduce the potential of restrictions and outages over the coming weeks and months.
The data tells us that rainfall in Wexford during May, June, and July this year to date has been significantly below average when compared to long-term rainfall records. A total of 130.8mm of rainfall was measured at the Johnstown Castle, weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years — just over 40% less rainfall recorded locally.
Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, said: “Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services. While it may often feel like Ireland receives plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Wexford have not had their usual seasonal recharge, and we are now heading into the height of summer with lower-than-average water levels.
“Although some rainfall is expected, it will not be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on the already low water levels.
“In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management. With demand continuing to outstrip Supply in some areas — and further dry weather anticipated — we have taken the necessary step of implementing a Water Conservation Order to help protect the local water supply.
“Our data clearly shows that warm weather drives a significant increase in water demand, particularly for non-essential uses like gardening and outdoor cleaning. For example, using a hosepipe for just one hour can use as much water as a family typically consumes in an entire day.
“This Order builds on a range of measures Uisce Éireann has already implemented in recent months, including intensified leak detection and repair programmes, and a public awareness campaign on the importance of conserving water year-round.
“We will continue to monitor water consumption while the Order remains in place. Protecting our water supply is essential if we are to avoid more severe restrictions or supply interruptions in the weeks and months ahead.
“We are also actively engaging with commercial water users to support their conservation efforts and reduce unnecessary usage.
“There are many simple but effective ways to save water — from taking shorter showers to reusing household water in the garden. The key message is: leave the hose and pressure washer in the shed.
“We are calling on everyone to do their part so we can maintain a sustainable water supply throughout the summer,” Fionnuala added.
The Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users, as well as commercial premises for non-commercial activities — such as watering gardens attached to a business premises.
To support households and businesses in conserving water, Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use Water Conservation Calculator, which allows users to estimate how much water they’re saving and how to save even more. The calculator and additional tips are available on the Water Conservation section of our website.
Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting our website.
Water Service Updates
Sign up for our free text service to be kept informed of water outages and works in your area.