Uisce Éireann Welcomes EPA Report Highlighting Continued Progress in Delivering Safe Drinking Water
Investment in Co Clare securing the water supply for future generations
Wednesday, 02 July 2025 – Uisce Éireann welcomes the latest Drinking Water Report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which confirms that Ireland’s public drinking water supplies continue to meet exceptionally high standards, with over 99.8% compliance with microbiological and chemical regulations.
This achievement reflects sustained investment and operational improvements across the country. In 2024, Uisce Éireann invested over €1.3 billion in upgrading water and wastewater treatment plants and networks, enhancing resilience and safety for communities nationwide.
One such example of this is the recent completion of a major upgrade to Corofin Water Treatment Plant in Co Clare securing the water supply, which has provided enhanced treatment facilities ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for local homes and businesses. This project now benefits a population of over 1300 customers.
This project involved a major upgrade of the water treatment plant which includes new clarification and filtration systems, residual treatment, dosing systems and a full electrical upgrade. This investment has resulted in the supply removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘at risk’ list.
Dr Patrick O’Sullivan, Drinking Water Compliance Senior Manager, stated:
“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. Where risks are identified, we act swiftly — issuing temporary Boil Water Notices or Do Not Consume Notices to protect public health.
“While improved incident detection and escalation protocols — highlighted by the EPA as a positive development — may result in the earlier activation of BWNs, the sharp decline in both the number and population affected in 2024 demonstrates real progress in infrastructure resilience and risk management across the public water supply network.”
Nationally, the number of Boil Water Notices issued in 2024 was approximately half that of 2023. Over the course of the year 37 notices were lifted, restoring safe water to 91,929 people. Only 5 long-term notices remained in place at the end of 2024, and over 72% of Boil Water Notices imposed in 2024 were rectified within 30 days.
Uisce Éireann also made strides in addressing risks identified on the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL). In 2024, works were completed at 14 supplies on the Remedial Action List to ensure they met the EPA standards. As a result, there were 45 supplies on the list at the end of 2024, down from 57 in 2023.