NFGWS welcomes EPA publication of 2023 drinking water quality report

As the representative body for the community-owned and community-operated group water scheme (GWS) sector1, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) welcomes today’s [Friday] publication by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of its report on Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies - 2023.

Although disappointed with the number of GWS non-compliances reported, the NFGWS is happy to see that, once again, the overwhelming majority of households served by community-owned and community-run group water schemes were found to be fully compliant with drinking water quality standards in 2023. It is also noted that the overall population effected by the E. coli failures has decreased since the last report.

Investment in local GWS infrastructure is key to improving water quality and addressing the non-compliances observed. The Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 (MARWP), which was launched earlier this year, is key to addressing the infrastructural requirements in the sector. The NFGWS continues to work with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other stakeholders to overcome difficulties experienced in previous programmes, including streamlining the new funding application process to assist group water schemes’ ability to access critical funding. The NFGWS is encouraged by the positive response from GWSs across Ireland in taking action, with over 900 applications submitted under the new MARWP. It is clear that GWSs have embraced the opportunity to improve their service to local members and funding can greatly assist group water schemes to address the vast majority of issues highlighted in today’s report.

The drinking water regulations place a strong emphasis on water safety planning and risk assessment/management at every step in the drinking water supply chain. Robust infrastructural and operational systems must be in place on every group water scheme to ensure the continued supply of safe, reliable drinking water.

The sector is well-prepared in this regard, through the implementation of the NFGWS quality assurance system, continual operational and management training, and the ever-growing efforts with drinking water source protection. The NFGWS promotes a strategy of amalgamation and rationalisation in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of community-owned group water schemes, built on effective governance structures and professional expertise. Examples of recent amalgamation projects in Mayo, Offaly, Limerick and Kilkenny demonstrate the potential of such an approach.

Group water schemes in all parts of Ireland continue to work with their members, local community groups, schools and other like-minded organisations to put measures in place to improve water quality, biodiversity and the wider environment.