In 2023, figures showed that the number of individuals relying on potentially dangerous public water supplies increased to 561,000 from 481,000 in the previous year. This data comes from the annual drinking water review of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Elevated amounts of harmful trihalomethanes (THMs) and the disease-causing parasite cryptosporidium, detected in the water systems, primarily accounted for the deterioration. These elements pose a significant risk to health, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.
About one in 20 supplies did not adhere to the THM standard in 2023, impacting 300,000 people, a rise from the previous year’s figure of 235,000. The EU repeatedly identified this chemical – a potential byproduct of disinfection and posited to have ties to cancer in certain studies – as an ongoing concern.
The report emphasises that Irish Water must put in more work to minimise individuals’ exposure to THMs. Large suppliers like those in Limerick and Kilkenny cities need significant improvements. When chlorine reacts with organic matter in drinking water, THMs can form. There is some research indicating that continuous exposure to THMs over several years can lead to cancer and can also impact reproduction. They are categorised as “potentially cancer-causing” to humans, as some animal studies show THMs to be carcinogenic.
In 2015, the European Commission launched a lawsuit against Ireland for not adhering to the drinking water directive’s THM standard. In January, the EU Court of Justice decreed Ireland’s failure to fully implement the directive relating to THMs across 30 supplies.
While the EPA states over 99.7% of public water supply samples comply with bacterial and chemical thresholds, assuring the water supply’s resilience requires substantial future investment. The EPA’s report also highlighted that the number of long-standing boil water notices nearly doubled in 2023, with an increase from 23 to 46. Furthermore, the pace at which lead is being removed from water supply networks, a key measure to safeguard public health, is frustratingly slow. The report emphasised that far too many supplies still lack the robust treatment systems needed to ensure safety and resilience in the long run.
The environmental authority’s remedial action roster (RAR) highlights the resources deemed “at-risk” that demand upgrades from Uisce Éireann to ensure the health of the public. Despite ten supplies being struck off the RAR due to enhancement efforts, an additional nine “at-risk” resources were spotted by the authority. Notable advancements have been observed in other sectors such as sanitization, the development of the safe drinking water scheme, and simplifying public access to the lead remediation grant, the report discovers.