'Should we snitch?' - Hosepipe ban hotline sparks debate on Claire Byrne show
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Those who breach the order could be looking at a fine of up to €5,000
Uisce Éireann has defended its decision to allow members of the public to report suspected breaches of the newly introduced hosepipe ban, insisting the hotline is intended to prevent tensions between neighbours rather than encourage them.
It was announced this week that a six-week Water Conservation Order will come into effect from Thursday across Dublin, South Tipperary and parts of Kildare, Meath, Wicklow and Wexford as water supplies come under increasing pressure during the prolonged spell of hot weather.
Under the restrictions, the use of hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens, washing private vehicles and filling paddling pools is prohibited. Customers who repeatedly breach the order could face fines ranging from €125 to as much as €5,000 if prosecuted through the courts.
The reporting system has sparked debate online and on radio programmes, with some questioning whether asking the public to report suspected breaches could encourage neighbourly "snitching".
Earlier this week on Newstalk, the discussion surrounding the hosepipe ban was brought up on the Claire Byrne Show in which Claire spoke with Wexford TD and Labour spokesperson George Lawlor and asked was reporting your neighbours a good idea and would you encourage people to report others who they see wasting water?
“Well if there’s reckless use of water by someone, if they’re power washing their yard or their house, that’s an irresponsible and reckless use of a precious commodity that we have at the minute in terms of water,” Mr Lawlor answered.
“I don’t want to see neighbours at each others throats or snitching on each other,” he continued, “I think people should be encouraged as best we can but obviously if someone is using it recklessly then yes, there is a need to let the authorities know”.
“But if you were out watering your plants,” Claire interjects, “You could be liable for a €5,000 fine if you’re doing it with the hosepipe.”
“I would encourage people to use their second hand water, or dishwater for this,” said Mr Lawlor.
“But not to snitch on each other,” Claire adds.
“Well it’s traditionally not something we do here in Ireland,” Mr Lawlor answered.
“Some people do,” Claire laughed, “Ask the Revenue commissioners if people snitch on each other.”
Speaking about the hotline, Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge said the utility is "not asking people to confront people" and does not want to cause "neighbourhood disputes". Instead, concerns can be reported directly to the utility, which will then follow up where necessary.
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Uisce Éireann says the measures are necessary as water consumption continues to surge during the heatwave.
Nationally, domestic water use is running around 20% above normal levels, while demand in the Greater Dublin Area recently reached 693 million litres in a single day — approximately 50 million litres above the year-to-date average.
In some parts of the country, including areas of North Kildare, overnight water restrictions have already been introduced as reservoirs struggle to keep pace with demand.
Uisce Éireann has repeatedly warned that treated water is being used faster than it can be produced and stored in some locations.
Households, businesses and farms are urged to reduce non-essential water use, avoid using hoses and sprinklers, check for leaks and conserve water wherever possible while the restrictions remain in place.
The Water Conservation Order is currently due to remain in effect until August 26, although Uisce Éireann has said it may be lifted earlier or extended depending on weather conditions and the availability of water supplies.