Water restrictions and a hosepipe ban are looming as Ireland faces into drought conditions this summer.
With the current hot spell and no sign of any rain coming soon, Irish Water are asking people to conserve water to avoid stricter restrictions.
15 of Irish Water's 900 drinking water schemes are already at drought status and another 23 risk going into the same status in the coming days.
The rise of home usage due to the Covid-19 situation is also a factor in the near drought conditions.
A spokesperson for Irish Water said: "In light of the prolonged dry spell and the increased domestic usage since the start of the Covid-19 restrictions, Irish Water are carefully monitoring all our water sources for any signs of drought impact.
"Irish Water’s Water Scarcity Group has been meeting since March to monitor all of the raw water levels in the country – that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed our water treatment plants.
"Now the increased domestic demand and increase in commercial demand as businesses are reopening is being exacerbated by warm weather and the growth of drought conditions.
"Of Irish Water’s 900 drinking water schemes, 15 are already at ‘drought status’ and another 23 are at risk of going into drought.
"The weather forecast is for continued dry conditions which will further impact on the situation and in light of same we are exploring all options, including the requirement for Water Conservation Orders (hosepipe bans)."
Irish Water are urging people to avoid wasting water if at all possible with powerwashing not recommended.
The spokesperson added: "Two weeks ago, we urged the public to choose handwashing over powerwashing as domestic water usage increased by an average of 20% with more people were staying at home in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
"Irish Water is continuing to appeal to the public to conserve water now where they can while following the HSE guidance on handwashing.
"There are some simple measures that the public can take including stopping the use of powerwashers at home; using a watering can rather than a hose in the garden; taking showers over baths; and fixing any dripping taps where it is possible to do so."
