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05th Jul 2020

National hosepipe ban could be lifted earlier than first expected

Sarah Finnan

Hosepipe ban

Irish Water issued a six-week national hosepipe ban back in early June, however, it’s believed that this could be lifted earlier than predicted if heavy rainfall continues.

Irish Water issued a National Water Conservation Order (fancy terminology for hosepipe ban) back on June 9th – prohibiting the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water. Originally put in place until Tuesday, July 21st, it’s now believed that the ban could be lifted ahead of time and authorities are expected to announce a decision on the matter in the coming week.

Issued in a bid to safeguard water supplies after unseasonably dry weather, many water supplies have since recovered in light of recent heavy rainfall. According to officials at Irish Water,  the situation is currently under review and the ban could be lifted, or partially lifted, prior to July 21st if wet weather continues across the country.

Many places around Ireland have experienced above-average rainfall in recent weeks helping water supplies in those areas to recover somewhat – supplies that were previously in drought/at risk of drought. It’s reported that only 22 schemes currently remain in drought, with 63 others at risk of drought, however, Irish Water has warned that while the statistics are promising, the situation is not “uniform” across the country.

An update on the ban is expected to be announced in the coming week.

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