Uisce Éireann has issued an appeal to the public to conserve water amid a spell of warmer weather, with 31 catchment areas across 12 counties currently in "drought status".
The utility has said measures are in place to manage supply in areas across counties Tipperary, Waterford, Offaly, Cork, Galway, Donegal, Meath, Kilkenny, Westmeath, Laois, Clare and Wexford.
It said it has been a "drier than normal" autumn, winter and spring, leading to three conservation orders in place for Mullingar in Co Westmeath, Milford in Co Donegal, and Kells-Oldcastle in Co Meath.
The network, it said, is experiencing increased pressure on supplies across several regions, including Dublin and Galway.
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Uisce Éireann said a drought is defined as a "prolonged period of abnormally dry weather that leads to a significant water shortage".
"It's characterised by a deficiency in precipitation, impacting various sectors like agriculture, ecosystems, and communities," it added.
It has appealed to the public to make "small adjustments" to contribute to managing water more efficiently.
This includes using a watering can instead of a hose, having a shower instead of a bath, having shorter showers and ensuring dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded before using them.
Uisce Éireann's Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge asked people to "really consider" their water usage.
"While the warmer weather is certainly a welcome change, it does place additional demands on our water supplies," she said.
"That is why we are asking people to join us in making small changes in their own daily routine to help conserve water," she added.
"Simple steps can have a big impact in helping to maintain water reserves.
"Whether it is using a watering can in the garden, or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, every individual action counts, and all adds up to making a positive contribution to benefit everyone."
Uisce Éireann said that while Ireland experiences high levels of rainfall annually, much of this water is lost due old water infrastructure.
Temperatures are due to hit as high as 28C this week, with 27-28C forecast for tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.
Water Safety Ireland urged the public to enjoy water activities responsibly and to be aware of potential hazards during the warm spell.
It also warned that tomorrow's full moon will bring spring tides over the coming days.
Water Safety Ireland said these conditions increase "the risk of strong currents and changes in water depth as higher tides cover areas that may have hidden depths".
It added that the public should "stay alert, carry a fully charged mobile phone and monitor incoming tides closely when walking the coastline".
'So there's a lot of stress'
Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann Margaret Attridge said people use much more water during warmer weather, whether to water gardens, clean yards, in agricultural use, "so there's a lot of stress" put on our schemes.
She appealed to people to "work with" Uisce Éireann to help conserve water.
Speaking on RTÉ's Six One, she said: "We're doing what we can do on our side to sustain the supplies, but if people can make just minor changes to their daily routines, it can do an awful lot to help us and protect our [water] sources."
She said by doing this, a "huge amount" could be done towards reducing the pressure Uisce Éireann's schemes are under.
Ms Attridge said water leaks across the infrastructure was not as much to blame for shortages as some might believe.
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"We do have a leaky infrastructure, but we are making inroads into our leakage figures and at peak we're at 49% of our water leaking out of supply.
"Nationally that figure is now down to 36% and 30% in the GDA [Greater Dublin Area] and our ambition is to get that down to 20% nationally," she said.
She asked people to report leaks to Uisce Éireann and to check their own properties for leaks and if a leak is found, to have it repaired.
