Kitt Calls For Action To Ensure High Drinking Water Standards

The Minister pointed out that "additional drinking water treatment capacity equivalent to the needs of a population of almost 850,000 had been provided since 2000."

He added that increased investment had also brought about a situation where drinking water supplied to 90% of Group Water Scheme households would be "in full compliance with national drinking water standards by the end of this year."

Mr Kitt said it was vital that increased investment in new water supply infrastructure in recent years "needs to be matched by good management and operational practices, not just at treatment plants, but also at a more strategic level in relation to service provision to the public". 

Stronger regulatory powers introduced under the Water Services Act 2007 and new Drinking Water Regulations, in particular for the EPA, were "part of a more cohesive framework that would guarantee safe and secure water supplies for the public", the Minister said.

He also emphasised that his Department had taken a number of steps, including the allocation of almost €20 million to local authorities last July, to speed up improvements to individual water supplies identified for remedial action by the EPA earlier in the year.