Hosepipe ban comes into effect in Mayo from midnight

Uisce Éireann hosepipe ban comes into effect in Mayo from midnight tonight,

It comes as Ireland's prolonged spell of hot, dry weather continues to put drinking water supplies under pressure.

The six-week Water Conservation Order, which was introduced last week for the Greater Dublin Area and parts of Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Kildare and south Tipperary, will now apply across the country until August 26.

It is one of the most extensive water conservation measures introduced by Uisce Éireann, with restrictions now applying nationwide as water sources come under increasing strain following an extended period of exceptionally warm and dry weather.

The order applies to all households and prohibits the use of hosepipes for activities such as washing cars, watering gardens and filling paddling pools.

Uisce Éireann said the prolonged dry conditions have left several groundwater sources under stress

Uisce Éireann said the restrictions are necessary to ensure there is sufficient water for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and other essential services in the weeks ahead.

In addition to the hosepipe ban, the utility is urging people across the country to use only the water they need and avoid unnecessary water use until conditions improve.

According to the company, using a garden hose or sprinkler for just one hour can consume more water than the average family uses in an entire day.