Uisce Éireann’s latest figures reveal exceptional water quality across the country, with significant reductions in boil water notices and over €1.3 billion invested in infrastructure upgrades during 2024.
Ireland’s public drinking water continues to meet exceptionally high safety standards, with over 99.8% compliance with microbiological and chemical standards according to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report released today.
The achievement reflects sustained investment by Uisce Éireann, Ireland’s national water utility, which invested over €1.3 billion in 2024 upgrading water and wastewater treatment plants and networks across the country. The investment has enhanced resilience and safety for communities nationwide, including significant infrastructure projects in Munster.
Dr Patrick O’Sullivan, Drinking Water Compliance Senior Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:
“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.”
The report shows dramatic improvements in water safety management. Boil Water Notices issued in 2024 were approximately half those of 2023, with 37 notices lifted during the year, restoring safe water to 91,929 people. Notably, over 72% of Boil Water Notices imposed in 2024 were rectified within 30 days, demonstrating faster response times.
Only five long-term notices remained in place at the end of 2024, representing significant progress in infrastructure resilience across the public water supply network.
Uisce Éireann also made substantial progress addressing risks on the EPA’s Remedial Action List. Works were completed at 14 supplies during 2024, reducing the total from 57 schemes to 45 by year-end. These improvements directly benefited over 70,022 customers who were removed from the at-risk category.
Key infrastructure projects included upgrades at Clara/Ferbane, Nenagh, and Thurles, with additional works completed at Saggart reservoir in North County Dublin and Windmill Hill in Meath. The National Disinfection Programme saw 27 additional sites upgraded in 2024, bringing the total number of completed disinfection upgrades to 405 plants.
The utility also made significant progress in lead mitigation, replacing over 4,000 lead service connections in 2024. Under the National Lead Mitigation Programme, a cumulative total of 65,361 lead service connections have been replaced, achieving a national compliance level for lead in drinking water of 98.58%.
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.”
The National Operations Management Centre now monitors alarms at 517 water treatment plants, covering approximately 3.8 million people. A new Drinking Water Safety Plan team is being established to proactively risk assess all water treatment plants and networks.
Uisce Éireann also laid or rehabilitated 207km of watermain network during 2024, further strengthening the infrastructure serving communities across Ireland.
The Government has recently extended eligibility criteria for the domestic lead pipe replacement grant scheme, making it accessible to more property owners. Information is available at gov.ie.
For more information about water quality in your area, visit water.ie.