A nationwide hosepipe ban will come into effect from tomorrow morning.
The measure is already in place in the greater Dublin Area, but Irish Water has decided to extend it to the whole country until the end of the month as supplies remain under pressure from the heatwave.
Using water for non-essential activities is banned under the order and anyone who breaks it could face prosecution or a fine.
Irish Water's Eamon Gallen says they will send people round to households that consistently ignore the ban.
Mr Gallen said: "We've had very few reports so far of people breaching the ban. In cases where there is consistent and excessive usage, we will send people out to investigate if there are problems or leaks on the property and whether or not we can give conservation advice.
"It's not our intention to be imposing fines in any great number, we believe that once we talk to people, we can change behaviour, and most people that are law-abiding will adhere to the order."
- The order means the use of water drawn through a hosepipe, or similar apparatus, is forbidden for the purpose of:
- watering a garden
- cleaning a private motor-vehicle using a domestic hosepipe
- cleaning a private leisure boat
- filling or maintaining a domestic swimming or paddling pool (except when using hand-held containers filled directly from a tap)
- filling or maintaining a domestic pond (excluding fish ponds)
- filling or maintaining an ornamental fountain (with the exception of such use for commercial purposes)
- filling or replenishing an artificial pond, lake or similar application
Meanwhile, night time restrictions are also planned for several areas over the coming days.
This includes Westmeath, Offaly, Louth, Longford, Laois, Galway, the Aran Islands, Donegal, Limerick, Kilkenny and Cork.
Full details can be found on Irish Water's website.
