A new report has identified two drinking water supplies in need of improvement in Donegal.
Ballymagroarty and Glenties-Ardara supplies, serving a combined 4,292 people, were on the EPA’s Remedial Action List at the end of 2020. Both supplies recorded elevated Levels of Trihalomethanes (THMs) above the standard in the Drinking Water Regulations. THMs form when natural organic matter in the water source, such as rotting vegetation, reacts with chlorine used in the disinfection treatment process.
The EPA Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies Report 2020 released today, shows that the quality of drinking water in Irish public supplies remains high, with over 99.7% compliance with bacterial and chemical limits.
The continued high levels of water quality being achieved are positive for consumers and indicate that the water is safe to drink. However, the EPA says improvements are needed in our drinking water infrastructure to protect public health.
“Delays in the delivery of these improvements at water treatment plants by Irish Water means that water supplies remain vulnerable for longer, posing a risk to the health of a large portion of the population,” the report said.
Noel Byrne, EPA Programme Manager, said: “Irish Water must expedite lead connection replacements and progress improvements to disinfection systems – including addressing the issues with the disinfection programme identified by the EPA – to ensure that the quality of drinking water is adequately safeguarded.”
Irish Water has confirmed that works are ongoing on the Glenties and Ballymagroarty supplies.
The company said today’s EPA report highlights the ongoing progress made in reducing the number of at-risk water supplies.
A spokesperson said: “Since 2014, Irish Water has been working in partnership with Donegal County Council to upgrade water treatment plants, distribution networks and pump stations to address water quality issues such as cryptosporidium and THM risk across the county. All water supplies which were previously at risk have been upgraded to improve water quality to homes and businesses, ensuring that everyone in Donegal has safe and clean drinking water.
“We have built new drinking water infrastructure in towns and villages across the county, improving water quality and benefitting local communities. By building this new infrastructure we have improved drinking water for over 40,000 people and facilitated the removal of 11 water supplies from the EPA’s Remedial Action List.
“The scale of investment, the level of national planning and the ongoing delivery of projects and programmes by Irish Water is demonstrated in the EPA report. “