Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies 2018

Summary: This report is an overview of the quality of drinking water in public water supplies during 2018. It is based on the assessment of monitoring results reported to the EPA by Irish Water, and on the EPA's enforcement activities.

Key Findings for 2018

Quality of Public Water Supplies

• The quality of drinking water in public supplies remains high
• Microbiological compliance is 99.9%
• Chemical compliance is 99.6%
• Nearly two-thirds (60%) of all boil water notices issued in 2018 were short-term, in place for less than 30 days

Main Issues affecting water quality

• Increase in detections of the parasite Cryptosporidium
  
• High levels of disinfection by-products
• Persistent pesticide failures
• Large numbers of lead pipe connections in properties
  

Progress in 2018

• Reduction in number of supplies on EPA Remedial Action List from 77 supplies in 2017 to 63 supplies in 2018

• Irish Water completed disinfection upgrades at 152 drinking water treatment plants

• Rate of replacement of lead connections by Irish Water has increased

Action Required

• Achieve good disinfection that keeps water free of harmful bacteria while minimising disinfection by-products (Trihalomethanes)
• Eliminate lead from our pipes

• Put Drinking Water Safety Plans in place to assess hazards and take action to protect supplies into the future

 Related documents

• Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies 2018 Infographic