Uisce Éireann has welcomed the latest Drinking Water Report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which shows Ireland's public drinking water supplies remain among the best in the world, with a 99.7% compliance with microbiological and chemical standards. This is a result of the ongoing high level of investment and improved operational measures being implemented by Uisce Éireann.

Tom Cuddy, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Asset Operations said: "Uisce Éireann operates over 700 water treatment plants across Ireland and we are committed to delivering transformative water services which enable communities to thrive.

"In 2022, we invested over €500 million in our water treatment plants and networks, with a number of new water treatment plants built or significantly upgraded and an additional 30 sites enhanced under the National Disinfection Programme. Key projects completed include a new treatment plant in Cork City benefitting over 97,000 people with a cleaner, more secure drinking water supply. We have also built or upgraded water treatment plants in Skibbereen (Cork), Mountain Stage and Ballyheigue (Kerry), Ballymagroarty (Donegal), Ballymahon (Longford) and Athlone (Westmeath). In addition, 2022 saw the progression of another significant upgrade of the Leixlip Water Treatment Plant which is benefitting over 600,000 customers in Dublin with improved drinking water quality.

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"We have an ambitious capital investment programme, through which we will continue to improve the safety and resilience of Ireland’s drinking water supplies in the years to come."

The EPA report in particular recognises the ongoing improvements made by Uisce Éireann in testing, monitoring and assessing water supplies and the key role this has played in identifying risks to drinking water quality, ensuring a safer water supply for all. Many of these risks came to light due to the more robust testing, sampling and operational control measures put in place. In some cases, this has resulted in temporary Boil Water Notices or other restrictions being introduced to protect public health while the problems are addressed. Over two-thirds of the Boil Water Notices imposed in 2022 were dealt with and rescinded within 30 days.

Uisce Éireann also continues to make progress in addressing known risks to water supplies which are on the EPA’s Remedial Action List. In 2022, 11 more supplies were removed from the list following the completion of remedial actions. For those supplies that remain on the list, Uisce Éireann is progressing plans to address any underlying issues and ensure resilient water supplies for the communities they serve.