Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Water Supply Service.

John Dennehy

Question:

1447 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that sufficient measures are being carried out to ensure that leakage of water from the water distribution system is minimised; if his attention has been drawn to a report, Water Service Leakage Management and Efficiency, which was recently presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly, which suggested that 37% of treated water leaked before it reaches consumers taps; the comparative figure for this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15396/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen):

The 1996 Greater Dublin Water Supply Strategic Study estimated that 44% of drinking water produced in the greater Dublin region was lost through leakage, principally in the distribution network. The Dublin Regional Water Conservation Project is addressing this issue and a review of unaccounted for water, UFW, in the region in 2000 estimated that losses from the water distribution system had been reduced to 32% of production. The latest estimate further reduces that figure to 27.5%.

Following the Dublin study, a programme of water conservation measures was introduced in a number of major cities and towns around the country. The objective of programme is to reduce UFW levels in distribution networks to improve supply to consumers, lower operating costs and maximise the value of investment in capital water supply works. Water conservation projects with an estimated cost of €129 million are currently under way in fifteen locations, including Cork, Galway, Waterford, Limerick, Athlone and Clonmel. Significant reductions in UFW levels are being achieved.

The results of a national water study undertaken by my Department, which involved a comprehensive national audit of public water supplies serving more than 5,000 consumers, were published in March 2000. The study found, inter alia, that UFW levels varied significantly between regions but were generally in the range of between 40% to 50%. In response to the study recommendations, my Department has invited local authorities to submit proposals for water conservation projects for funding under the water services investment programme. The responses received, including proposals for continuing existing schemes and for new water conservation measures, are currently being assessed in the Department.