EPA drawing up list of defective water supplies

A "REMEDIAL action list" of defective or potentially defective water supplies is being compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency in a bid to ensure local authorities take adequate steps to protect human health.

The agency, which was commenting in the wake of a new cryptosporidium outbreak in Galway this week, said it had acquired new powers to oversee local authorities and to compel them to carry out repairs to drinking water supplies.

In a statement issued yesterday, the EPA recalled that its report, Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland: A Report for the Years 2006-2007, launched earlier this year, had identified 339 public water supplies that required examination from source to consumer, to determine the need for replacements or upgrades.

The EPA said it had asked local authorities to carry out this examination and results were now being analysed to place relevant water supplies on the "remedial list".

In some cases this may result in legally-binding directions being issued to local authorities requiring specific works to be carried out. Currently local authorities are required to notify the EPA and the HSE where there is a risk to human health from water supplies. The EPA said its priority was to ensure a secure drinking water supply for the public.

In future, any action that the local authority might take, including the issuing of a "boil water" notice, has to be taken in consultation with and with the agreement of the HSE.

Should a drinking water supply become unsafe for consumption at any time, consumers must be notified promptly by their local authority and advised of what precautions to take.