Uisce Éireann has announced an extension of the Water Conservation Order on the Milford Regional Public Water Supply.

The order will now remain in effect for an additional six weeks, until Tuesday, September 16, and only applies to customers supplied by the public water supply in Milford, Kerrykeel, Ramelton, and not the rest of the county.

Uisce Éireann say that while recent weeks have brought some cooler and wetter weather, the water levels at Lough Colmcille (which supplies water to the Milford area) remain under severe pressure.

While Uisce Éireann appreciates the efforts of the local community to conserve supply, water levels continue to be at an historic low at Lough Colmcille.

It is expected, based on the typical trend for this time of year, that water levels will continue to decrease for the summer period. It is considered that significant levels of rainfall over a prolonged period of time are required for this source to recover.

Uisce Éireann’s Water Network Operations Manager for Donegal, Damien O’Sullivan, said: “Although we have been working hard to maintain supply for our customers, we may have to move to nighttime restrictions if demand outstrips supply and lake levels continue to decrease.

“We are appealing to customers to continue to play their part by conserving water over the next six weeks as the lake continues to be under severe pressure.”

The Water Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users and commercial premises for non-commercial activities.