Councillors in Limerick have discussed plans with Irish Water on how to run a pilot orthophosphate treatment programme.

The programme aims to reduce lead levels in drinking water.

The proposals involve Irish Water, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, adding an Orthophosphate Treatment at Limerick City Water Treatment Plant.

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The pilot programme has the approval of the Health Service Authority (HSE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Jerry Grant, Head of Asset Management with Irish Water, said: "Orthophosphate treatment addresses the public health objective in reducing the level of lead dissolved into water passing through lead pipework. By doing so it's possible to reduce lead consumptions levels in a safe way and I would like to reassure people in Limerick that what we are proposing to do is safe. This is not a new method of reducing lead levels, it is in fact already being done in many countries for many years."

(CD/LM)