Two Tipperary water projects helping build resilience as six supplies remain on EPA watchlist
Two Tipperary projects have helped to increase resilience of Ireland’s water supply, Uisce Éireann have said.
Infrastructure projects in Nenagh and Thurles have helped to increase security of water supplies in their areas, coming as part of an overall national investment in water supply projects of €1.3billion in 2024.
The latest report on drinking water published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that over 99% of drinking water supplies across Ireland are fully compliant with national microbiological and chemical standards, something which Uisce Éireann has welcomed.
Despite this, six water supplies across county Tipperary remain on the EPAs Remedial Action List – a list of water supplies known to be a risk.
Dr Patrick O’Sullivan, Drinking Water Compliance Senior Manager said that the EPA report highlights the utility’s commitment to strengthening water supplies nationwide.
"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,” Dr O’Sullivan explained.
"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,” he added.
The EPA report showed that almost half the amount of boil water notices were imposed in 2024 as the previous year, with only five long-term boil water notices remaining in place at the end of the year.
Uisce Éireann also made strides in addressing risks identified on the EPA’s Remedial Action List, with 14 water supplies nationwide removed from the list.
Despite this, six Tipperary water supplies still remained on the list in Q4 of 2024.
In Carrick-on-Suir, the Lingaun River supply remained on the list, with an estimated removal date of March 2027 once new groundwater sources are identified.
Clonmel’s Poulavanogue also remains on the Remedial Action List, as does the Galtee Regional water supply, and supplies in Kilcash, Roscrea and Templetouhy.
A total of 24,528 people across Tipperary are impacted by the EPA’s Remedial Action List as present.
Dr O’Sullivan added: “We are proud of the progress made, but we recognise that challenges remain. A key priority for Uisce Éireann is increasing the resilience and security of our water supplies.”