The EPA Focus on Private Water Supplies report published today states that 1 million people receive drinking water from private supplies in Ireland. There are 2,195 private supplies (Group Water Schemes and Private supplies for schools, hotels, business, nursing homes etc) and 180,000 private wells.
- More than 100 private water supplies failed to meet the bacterial standards for drinking water. Bacteria in our water supplies can make people very ill, particularly young children, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised.
- One in five known small private supplies were not monitored in 2019. Water suppliers monitor water to ensure they are providing a clean and safe supply of drinking water.
- Water suppliers, local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage need to act to improve the quality of private drinking water so that human health is protected.
An Fóram Uisce response to the report is available at:
Press Release Response to the EPA Focus on Private Water Supplies 2019 report
