Uisce Éireann has welcomed the latest Drinking Water Report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which confirms that Ireland’s public drinking water supplies continue to meet exceptionally high standards, with over 99.8% compliance with microbiological and chemical standards.
Ireland’s water company said the achievement reflects sustained investment and operational improvements across the country. In 2024, Uisce Éireann invested over €1.3 billion in upgrading water and wastewater treatment plants and networks, enhancing resilience and safety for communities nationwide.
Dr Patrick O’Sullivan, Drinking Water Compliance Senior Manager, commented:
“We operate over 700 water treatment plants and are committed to delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. The EPA’s report recognises our progress in monitoring, testing, and safeguarding water quality. Where risks are identified, we act swiftly — issuing temporary Boil Water Notices or Do Not Consume Notices to protect public health.
“While improved incident detection and escalation protocols — highlighted by the EPA as a positive development — may result in the earlier activation of BWNs, the sharp decline in both the number and population affected in 2024 demonstrates real progress in infrastructure resilience and risk management across the public water supply network.”
In total the number of Boil Water Notices issued in 2024 was approximately half that of 2023. Over the course of the year 37 notices were lifted, restoring safe water to 91,929 people. Only 5 long-term notices remained in place at the end of 2024, and over 72% of Boil Water Notices imposed in 2024 were rectified within 30 days.
Uisce Éireann also made strides in addressing risks identified on the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL). In 2024, works were completed at 14 supplies on the Remedial Action List to ensure they met the EPA standards. As a result there were 45 supplies on the list at the end of 2024, down from 57 in 2023.
Key infrastructure projects included upgrades at Clara/Ferbane, Nenagh, and Thurles, with works also completed at Saggart reservoir in North Co Dublin and Windmill Hill in Meath to improve resilience and security of supply. The National Disinfection Programme saw a further 27 sites upgraded in 2024, bringing to 405 the number of plants at which disinfection works have now been completed.
Dr O’Sullivan added:
“We are proud of the progress made, but we recognise that challenges remain. A key priority for Uisce Éireann is increasing the resilience and security of our water supplies. We are in the process of standing up a Drinking Water Safety Plan team to proactively risk assess all of our water treatment plants and networks.
“Our National Operations Management Centre is now monitoring alarms at 517 of our water treatment plants, covering a population of approximately 3.8 million people. Initiatives such as these enable us to protect public health by quickly identifying and rectifying any significant issues with water quality when they arise. This is part of our continued focus on swift resolution and long-term prevention measures to safeguard public health and enhance confidence in public drinking water.”
Click here to download the EPA Report
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