“Water restrictions are likely to continue into the new year for hundreds of thousands of householders on both sides of the Border as local authorities struggle to maintain supplies,” the Irish Times writes.

As the BBC reports, the problem is particularly acute in Northern Ireland, where many are without water altogether:

“Eighty villages and towns have been affected as pipes burst in the [recent] thaw.

“Around 18,000 customers are still affected in the Belfast area, 5,000 in the eastern part of Northern Ireland and 8,000-9,000 in the western area.”

The Associated Press adds that:

“Long lines formed Thursday at emergency water points and Scotland [sent] thousands of liters of bottled water for distribution to help families.”