Further Guidance on Private Wells

I am concerned about health issues - What shoud I Do?

If you are concerned that a contaminated well may be affecting your health you should contact your local HSE Environmental Health Service (EHO) in the first instance.  Depending on the problem, they may refer you to your local HSE Public Health Department for further advice.

What is Irish Water's Role?

Irish Water has no role to play in abstractions relating to private water supplies.  Water charges do not apply to private well owners so long as they are not also connected to a public water supply.

Where can I find out more about Grants?

Private Well Grants

Under the Department of Environment’s scheme, if your house is more than 7 years old and not connected to either a public or a group scheme, you may be eligible for a grant (subject to some conditions).  The grant is worth up to €2,031.58 (or 75% of the cost of the work, whichever is the lesser) and must be used to provide a new water supply or to upgrade an existing one.  Only one grant per house will be allowed in any 10-year period.  In order to qualify for the grant, the proposed work must cost more than €635.  A local authority inspection will be carried out before any work starts.

The kind of work that would be eligible for the grant is the drilling of a new well or the provision of essential pumping or water filtration/disinfection equipment.

For more details and application forms, apply to your local authority - List of Local Authority Contact Details.

Water Conservation Grants

A Water Conservation Grant will be paid from September 2015 to households that have registered with Irish Water by the 30th June. 

Where can I find out more about protecting my well?

The following leaflets provide additional advice on how to protect your well.