Cork City Saves Over 17 Million Litres of Water Daily Through Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme

Image: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Over 17 million litres of water being saved every day across the city.

Uisce Éireann, in collaboration with Cork City Council, has announced a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to secure and sustain the city’s water supply. Over 17 million litres of water are now being saved each day, thanks to extensive water network works and leak repairs. This represents a 50% reduction in leakage and is equivalent to over four times the daily household water usage of Cobh.

A Complex Network

Cork City, home to over 200,000 residents, has a water network that spans approximately 600km—enough to stretch from Douglas to the Giant’s Causeway. Managing this intricate system, much of which is over a century old, is a formidable task. The ageing infrastructure is prone to bursts and leakages, causing issues such as low water pressure, outages, and discolouration.

Technological Advancements Aid Progress

Kevin Murphy from Uisce Éireann spoke about the complexity of the task at hand: “Reducing leakage is not just about replacing old pipes; it involves detailed planning, collaboration, and multiple work streams. Cork City has seen millions of euros worth of investment to secure, replace, and develop water services, which are crucial for a thriving local economy.”

Collaboration is Key

Brian McCarthy, Cork City Council Senior Resident Engineer, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the council and Uisce Éireann. “Fixing leaks involves working around several underground services like gas, telecoms, and electricity. The works undertaken will benefit customers by strengthening the water network, reducing leaks, and minimising unplanned interruptions.”

Investment and Future Plans

Since 2017, the National Leakage Reduction Programme has seen the installation of 45 pressure management valves, repair of 1,372 leaks, and replacement of over 2,720 public lead services. Additionally, 777 households in Cork City have had their external pipes repaired free of charge through Uisce Éireann’s First Fix Free scheme.

The programme has invested over €500 million up to the end of 2021 and plans to invest a further €250 million annually until 2030. The national leakage rate has reduced from 46% in 2018 to 37% at the end of 2022, with a target of 25% by 2030.

For more information on the National Leakage Reduction Programme, visit Uisce Éireann’s official website.