Investment in Tipperary removes water supply from ‘at risk’ list

Homes and businesses in Glengar will welcome the recent news that their water supply has been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable water supplies. 

The targeted investment by Uisce Éireann which included the installation of over 5km of new watermains to allow decommissioning of the Glengar Public Water Supply has ensured a safe and reliable water supply for homes and businesses. This investment has resulted in the supply removed from the ‘at risk’ list. 

Prior to the investment, homes and businesses in Glengar and surrounding areas received their drinking water supply from Glengar/Cappawhite water treatment plants. As the risks were identified on the Glengar supply a decision was made to decommission that plant and install a new watermain connecting the network to the Ironmills Water Treatment Plant to cater for all customers. 

Pat Duggan, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Manager at Uisce Éireann is proud of the team effort to deliver the works and have the supply removed from the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL). 
“At Uisce Éireann we are fully committed to identifying and addressing risks to drinking water quality. Our key focus remains the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean and secure water supplies for local communities. This critical watermain installation ensures ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduces the risk of future water quality issues”. 

The significant project involved the installation of 5.2km of watermains to connect the network to the Ironmills supply and decommissioning of the plant at Glengar.

Laura Heneghan, Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann said “it is a great privilege to deliver this critical project for the people of Glengar”. 
“With the works now complete this project ensures the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to homes and businesses there. Uisce Éireann’s investment also unlocks growth and development potential in Tipperary which will enable the local community to thrive.”

This investment is one of a number of projects being delivered to rationalise water supplies across Tipperary. The programme also saw a 1.8km extension of the water network in Upperchurch.  

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. 

Remedial Action List
The Remedial Action List identifies drinking water supplies that are at risk of failing to consistently supply safe, clean drinking water. 

The presence of a supply on the Remedial Action List does not mean the water is unsafe to drink. In fact, over 99.7% of supplies remain safe to drink and do not present any risk to health. This list identifies supplies that the EPA deem as being ‘at risk’ and must be improved to ensure that water supplies continue to be safe to drink and are also secure in the future. Where drinking water quality deficiencies are found due to Uisce Éireann’s improved testing and sampling regime, a Boil Water Notice or Do Not Consume notice may be issued to protect public health.