Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
349. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how local authorities are resourced to supervise the water quality of private water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56166/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding support to the private water sector and to individual households by way of capital grants and an annual subsidy through the Rural Water Programme. Private water supplies are those supplies not operated by Uisce Éireann and includes group water schemes, small private supplies and private wells.
The local authorities have responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme in their area and have dedicated Rural Water Liaison Officers who administer the programme and provide advice and guidance in relation to the protection of the water supplies. However, the owner is responsible for the water quality of their supply.
If the private water supply has a commercial or public interest or supplies over 50 persons on average, it is deemed a Private Regulated Water Supply and the local authority is the supervisory authority. In this role the responsibilities of the local authority includes ensuring compliance, investigating cases of inadequate water quality and taking enforcement action, where appropriate.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) audits the monitoring programme and reports on both the quality standards and enforcement activity in each local authority.
