The nationwide hosepipe ban is having an impact on restoring drinking water supplies, Uisce Éireann has said.
The nationwide hosepipe ban came into effect on Friday, July 24th, however the ban had already been in place for Dublin, along with parts of Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Kildare and south Tipperary.
Uisce Éireann said via The Journal that the nationwide ban is being introduced as a way to protect water supplies "now and in the months ahead." The company noted that several groundwater sources are experiencing severe pressure with "reduced or no yields being experienced in a number of areas."
According to the company, recent high temperatures and rainfall below average are creating a high demand and adding pressure on water sources and treated drinking water supplies.
Asset strategy senior manager at Uisce Éireann Mairéad Conlon said via RTE that the nationwide ban is needed to "ease pressure on the water utility's reservoirs."
"Our treated water storage reserves are now starting to recover and hopefully we will soon be able to reduce the output capacity of our water treatment plants down to sustainable and safer levels," Ms Conlon said.
Ms Conlon said Uisce Éireann is urging the public to comply with the ban to help water supplies recover.
Anyone who breaches the order faces a €125 fine for each offence, although no fines have been issued or convictions secured so far.
