Ireland and Munich impose strict water-use bans as heatwave deepens

Uisce Éireann has announced a six‑week ban on hosepipe use in Dublin and surrounding counties (Kildare, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow, South Tipperary) beginning tomorrow, after daily water consumption in the Greater Dublin area reached up to 693 million litres – about 50 million litres above the normal average. Irish TD Paul Murphy called for a comprehensive audit of water use by data centres, noting that they account for a large share of electricity consumption and likely place additional stress on water supplies. He urged the government to halt further data‑centre development until the impact on water resources is clarified.

In Germany, Munich’s mayor Dominik Krause announced severe penalties of up to €50,000 for filling private pools, as well as bans on garden watering, car washing and extracting water from rivers and lakes. Over 80 German municipalities have issued similar general orders to curb water extraction during the prolonged heatwave. Industry groups and water‑policy organisations are urging responsible water use and uniform extraction fees across the country. The measures reflect a broader European trend, with restrictions already in place in parts of France, Italy and Switzerland, as authorities confront record‑dry conditions.