What are the most important issues affecting drinking water quality in public water supplies?

The EPA has identified the most important issues, which should be addressed on a national level, to protect and improve drinking water supplies. These are the national priorities for public drinking water supplies: 

  • Keeping water free of harmful bacteria (disinfection) 
  • Minimising harmful disinfection by-products 
  • Eliminating lead from pipework 
  • Preventing pesticides from entering our waters 
  • Managing risks to water supplies 
  • Ensuring all water treatment plants are effective

Have you a private water supply?

Where does our water come from? Depending on where you live, your water supply either comes from a public water supply operated by Irish Water, or a private water supply such as group water schemes or your own household well.  Browse through our environment and you section to read more about drinking water.

Browse by Drinking water

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Environmental Data Exchange Network (EDEN)

EDEN is the EPA's online web portal for Local Authorities and licensees to communicate with the EPA on numerous applications.

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EDEN-MDS Webinar

Webinar for local authorities on the submission of the annual drinking water returns to the EPA. We have also produced the guidance note linked below for local authorities to assist with submitting annual drinking water returns.

Latest publications in Drinking water

rural private water supply
Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies 2023

This report is an overview of the quality of drinking water in private group schemes and small private supplies 2023. It is based on the assessment of monitoring results reported to the EPA by local authorities.

Latest News and Press Releases

in: Drinking water
Unmonitored private drinking water supplies are a potential risk to public health, says EPA.

Date released: July 25, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies 2023 report.

While water quality is very high, the resilience of drinking water supplies must improve and will require sustained investment into the future, says EPA.

Date released: July 02, 2024

The EPA Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies Report 2023 released today, shows that over 99.7 per cent of public water supplies comply with bacterial and chemical limits, which means our public water is safe to drink.

“Urgent action needed to improve private drinking water quality”, says EPA.

Date released: October 19, 2023

The EPA today released the Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies 2022 report. Drinking water is provided to approximately 200,000 people across rural communities in Ireland, by over 380 group water schemes.