Water conservation order lifted for Donegal but Pettigo remains ‘under pressure’

Customers are still encouraged to use water wisely and report leaks to help protect essential supplies into the autumn

Published 24th Aug 2026, 17:42 BST Uisce Éireann Customers are still encouraged to use water wisely and report leaks to help protect essential supplies into the autumn A water conservation order in place countywide is due to be lifted following an improvement in water supply availability.

Figures show that water treatment plant production in the county has decreased by 7% from its highest peak demand this summer.

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The order, which was introduced on July 24 following a period of hot, dry weather, high water usage and increased pressure on public water supplies, will expire on Wednesday, August 26.

However, the Pettigo Water Supply in the county continues to be under pressure. Tankering to the supply is continuing and customers are being asked to be mindful of their water use. In parts of the east and south of the country, water sources and public water supplies remain under pressure and require continued protection.

Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water sources, demand and the availability of water for distribution. We are also encouraging customers to continue their efforts to conserve water and report leaks even in areas where the order is being lifted.

Donegal asked to conserve water as dry weather conditions continue “We have received great support from the public for our water conservation appeal, which has seen demand reduce significantly in many areas,” Mairead Conlon, Asset Strategy Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, said. “The collective efforts of communities to reduce unnecessary water use have made a real difference in protecting our essential supplies.

“The improvement in conditions means we can now lift the order across many counties. That is a positive outcome and reflects the real difference people and businesses have made by reducing unnecessary water use.

“We are asking customers in these areas to continue to use water wisely. Simple steps such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose can help protect supplies.”

Uisce Éireann is continuing to take operational measures to protect supplies, including maximising water production, repairing leaks, moving water by tanker where necessary and managing the network to reduce the risk of outages.

Uisce Éireann recommends using a watering can instead of a hose, checking for leaks, and only running machines when full, in a bid to conserve supplies.