Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 6

Written Answers. - Drinking Water Standards.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

60 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that the quality of drinking water in this country meets the recognised standards; if he has any plans to improve these standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Smith)

Statutory drinking water standards have been prescribed under the European Communities (Quality of Water Intended for Human Consumption) Regulations, 1988, which specify maximum admissible concentration values for a total of 53 parameters. Extensive monitoring is carried out by local authorities to comply with these regulations, and results generally demonstrate the good quality of Irish drinking water supplies. The first annual report on the quality of drinking water in Ireland, which was published last year, confirms this position but also defines the dimensions of the problems which still exist; these relate mainly to exceedance of the standards for aluminium and coliforms.

Measures to deal with these problems are, in accordance with the Environment Action Programme, a priority in the programme of capital works for water supply. Over £65 million was spent for this purpose in 1990 and 1991. Local authorities are also reviewing all aspects of the management and operation of water supplies. The indications are that, in many cases, better treatment works practice and more active supervision can bring the drinking water quality into conformity with the regulations.