Summary of Water Supply in County Wicklow

Water is supplied to households and businesses through a number of ways:- Public Water Schemes that provide public mains water, Private Group Water Schemes and Private Wells.

Public Water Schemes

Public water mains supply to homes and businesses in urban areas. Because the domestic water charges were abolished in 1997, charges are only levied on water supplied to commercial premises. The provision and upgrading of capital projects in water and waste water services is assisted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The local authority administers the actual building of approved water supply projects. Stringent water testing is carried out on all public waters by local authorities and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Wicklow County Council purchases water from Dublin City Council to serve the East of Wicklow from Bray down to and including Wicklow Town. Outside the Dublin region water is provided by 32 public schemes, Group Water Schemes and private wells.

Private Group Water Schemes

There are households in Ireland which are not connected to a public water supply. Many of these are served by what are known as group water schemes. These schemes are formed by a number of households (two or more) coming together to provide their own common water supply. They will apply to the local authority for approval in setting up their scheme.

It was recognised that the quality of water produced by many of the schemes did not comply with the standards for drinking water and in some cases were deemed to be a risk to public health.

In order to address this problem grant aid is available to bring about improvements.

Improvement works currently underway includes:

• Group Schemes, which became participants in the South Leinster DBO Bundle such as Askinagap, Ballingate, Baltyboys and Humphrystown
• Some Group Schemes are, or will be, connected to a Public Water Scheme. These include Ballyrahan, Crossbridge, Hempstown, Kilacloran, Manor Kilbride/ Oldcourt, Rosbane, Stratnakelly, Tinode, Tomacork, Tombrean/ Umrygar.
• Some Group Schemes are carrying out works to improve their water treatment facilities. These include Ballyfolan, Blainroe, Blakestown, Cornagower, Gormanstown/ Crehelp, Seabank (Arklow)

Private water supplies (groundwater)

If you are not part of a water supply scheme (public or group), you will have to consider boring your own well and drawing out groundwater to supply your needs. Contact Wicklow County Council if you are considering providing your own water for advise and availability of well grants.

Rural water programme

Each county has been asked by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to draw up a Strategic Rural Water Plan.

National Rural Water Monitoring Committee

This Committee was established to monitor and advise on the development and implementation of policy on the rural water programme and has prepared a model Strategic Rural Water Plan. It includes representatives from the group water scheme sector, local authorities, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and other rural interest groups, like the Irish Country Women's Association and the Irish Farmers Association.

Water Quality

Local authorities are responsible for monitoring the quality of the water supply in their areas. In addition, water supplies are tested by the Health Service Executive to make sure that the water is safe to drink. New EU drinking water regulations, that make it imperative for all public mains and group water schemes and private wells to conform to the highest possible standards of safety, came into effect in March 2007.