May 2020 was the driest since 1850.

Of Irish Water’s 900 drinking water schemes, 27 are currently in drought and 50 more are at risk of drying up so a hosepipe ban has been put in place across the country until Tuesday, July 21st.

“It is very clear from Irish Water’s data that that warm weather creates a surge in demand of water,” says Irish Water’s Niall Gleeson.

“Such weather brings people into their gardens and makes the use of hoses more likely. Similarly, with children confined to home, it can be tempting to use paddling pools etc., however, using a hosepipe for one hour is the equivalent of the daily water usage of an average family and this is evidently a non-essential use of water.”

💧A hosepipe ban is in place until 21 July💧

With people staying at home since mid-March in response to #Covid19, households have been using an additional 24 litres of water per person per day

🌊Remember, please choose #handwashing over powerwashing

ℹ️https://t.co/Oue85AF97C pic.twitter.com/UdH8mko14f

— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) June 10, 2020

The weather forecast is for a continuation of drier than normal conditions, which will further exacerbate the situation.

“There are lots of helpful tips for conserving water on water.ie but the key messages are to leave the hose and the pressure washer in the shed; don’t use paddling pools; reuse household water for the garden, and take shorter showers,” added Mr Gleeson.

“Safeguarding the supply of water is essential at this time when handwashing and hygiene are of critical importance. We are calling on everyone to play their part.”

Paddling pools removed from sale

The six-week hosepipe ban has seen Aldi cancel a planned sale on children’s paddling pools, which were due to hit stores this week.

“Aldi is advising customers that its inflatable Ring Paddling Pool and inflatable Jumbo Paddling Pool will not go on sale at stores nationwide this Thursday, June 11, 2020, as planned,,” a spokesperson for the discount supermarket confirmed.

“Aldi has taken the decision to cancel the special buy products from sale in light of the six-week national hosepipe ban announced by Irish Water, which comes into effect today, June 9.”