EPA: Ireland's Drinking Water Safe for 4 Million, But 35 Plants at Risk
Ireland's EPA reports 99.8% of public drinking water is safe for over 4 million people. However, 35 treatment plants serving 467,000 are at risk due to failures. Uisce Éireann is urged to accelerate upgrades, as 100 supplies affected nearly 200,000 consumers with restrictions last year.
Ireland's publicly supplied drinking water is safe for over four million people, with 99.8% of supplies meeting bacterial and chemical standards, according to the EPA’s 2025 Water Quality Report. However, the EPA identified 35 water treatment plants, serving 467,000 people, where supplies could be disrupted due to disinfection and other failures. The agency urges Uisce Éireann to expedite remedial actions to ensure guaranteed safe drinking water.
The 35 at-risk supplies include those serving 127,000 people in Limerick city, 76,000 in Co Kildare, 52,000 in Co Louth, over 25,000 in Glashaboy, Co Cork, and over 18,000 in Longford. Failures were attributed to E. coli or Enterococci bacteria in 24 supplies, Cryptosporidium or Giardia protozoa in nine, and pesticide limit exceedances in 24. In 14 cases, inadequate treatment or management jeopardized plant operation.
Last year, 100 supplies, affecting nearly 200,000 consumers, faced boil water or restriction notices, an increase from 84 in 2024. The EPA calls for improved plant resilience to prevent such restrictions. Additionally, the report highlights wider challenges like 36% daily water loss due to leakage and ongoing risks from lead pipes. Uisce Éireann welcomed the report, noting its €1.4 billion investment in upgrades last year and progress in monitoring and safeguarding water quality.