Overnight water restrictions across Meath as heatwave continues

Towns and villages impacted as people urged to conserve water

Uisce Éireann is urging people across Meath to be mindful of their water use with overnight restrictions now necessary to help maintain daytime supplies for local communities.

The current spell of warm weather has led to a significant increase in water use across the county, with demand exceeding the volume of water that can be treated and distributed.

To help treated water reservoirs recover and protect daytime supplies, overnight restrictions have been introduced at Slane, Kilmessan, Ballivor, Ashbourne, Trim, Summerhill and Kilmainham Wood Reservoirs from 11pm to 7am. These restrictions will remain in place, if required, over the coming days to allow reservoir levels to stabilise, with levels continuing to be closely monitored.

Uisce Éireann has put in place a range of measures to maintain and protect supplies, including enhanced leakage repair works, pressure management, network management and contingency tankering at various locations to help maintain supply to customers.

Liscarton Water Treatment Plant, the largest treatment plant in Meath, is operating at maximum capacity to meet peak demand. Proudstown Reservoir recorded peak flows of over 630 m³/hr last weekend, highlighting the exceptionally high demand across the network. Raw water sources, including boreholes, continue to be monitored closely.

Uisce Éireann’s Enda Cully acknowledged the impact restrictions can have on homes and businesses but said these measures are necessary to help safeguard water supplies for the community.

“The exceptionally high demand we have experienced in recent days is placing significant pressure on treated water supplies. Introducing nighttime restrictions will help reservoirs recover and support normal daytime supplies for homes, businesses and essential services across the area.

“Our crews are working exceptionally hard through the night in water treatment plants and across the water network to ensure the infrastructure can cope with the increased demand across the county.

“We appreciate the patience and support of customers as we work to manage demand during this period of warm weather. By making small changes to water use, communities can play an important role in helping to protect local supplies.”

A Water Conservation Order remains in place in parts of southeast Meath until Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The Order has been introduced to safeguard public water supplies for essential purposes following a period of exceptionally warm and dry weather, which has led to significantly increased water use across the affected areas and placed sustained pressure on water treatment plants, treated water reservoirs and the wider network.

More information on water conservation can be found at https://www.water.ie/conservation/

Tips to Conserve Water

Drop the hose: Use a rose-head watering can over a hose or sprinkler. Aim for the roots. Water plants early or late in the day to limit evaporation.

Take short showers instead of a bath: Reducing your shower time can save up to 10 litres of water per minute. A typical bath uses 80 litres

Turn off the tap: Not running water while brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to 6 litres a minute. Keep a jug of water in the fridge for drinks.

Fill up your appliances: Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they have a full load

Fix dripping taps: A single dripping tap can waste between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year

Use a basin in the sink: Use a basin when rinsing vegetables or washing dishes and reuse that water for your plants

Clean the car with a sponge: When washing your car, avoid the hose and use a bucket and sponge instead.

Install a water butt: Use it to collect rainwater from your gutters for gardening or washing the yard

Pick plants wisely: Opt for low-water plants like lavender or olive trees. Established plants and lawns often don't need watering unless there's a drought

Lock in moisture: Add bark or plant material to flower beds to prevent evaporation or use gel beads in pots to keep roots hydrated.

In addition, Uisce Éireann crews are working to restore water supply to customers in Bellewstown and surrounding areas following planned works in Duleek. Customers may experience low pressure or temporary supply disruptions while the network recharges.

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at Report a Leak

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For further updates, visit the service and supply section of www.water.ie.