Water Utility Warns Of Critically Low Supply In Greater Dublin Area

Wastewater Treatments Stretching Capacity So Resources For New Houses Is Limited

Uisce Eireann is warning water supply around the country is ‘critically low’. Asset Strategy Manager Angela Ryan, says demand for water in Dublin on Monday outstripped supply by around 22 million litres.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has described as "at risk" 45 public water supplies which serve almost half a million people.

Wastewater treatment works are meanwhile so stretched that the capacity to cater for new houses will be exhausted in just two or three years.

The strains on the region’s water and sewage systems were detailed for politicians at the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, where Uisce Éireann’s asset strategy manager Angela Ryan warned:

“We’re running out of road.”

The EPA said the quality of these supplies must improve to safeguard public health. The assessment is included in an EPA report which found that water from the vast majority of public supplies was safe to drink

The latest drinking Water Report published by the Environmental Protection Agency shows Ireland’s public drinking water supplies continue to meet high standards, with over 99.8% compliance with microbiological and chemical standards which has been warmly endorsed by Uisce Eireann. 

Uisce Éireann has invested heavily in wastewater infrastructure in Wicklow and has been undertaking projects to improve treatment performance and capacity. There are two long standing boil water notices in effect across County Wicklow. 

In 2024, Uisce Éireann invested over €1.3 billion in upgrading water and wastewater treatment plants and networks, enhancing resilience and safety for communities nationwide.

Dr Patrick O’Sullivan, Drinking Water Compliance Senior Manager, stated:

“We operate over 700 water treatment plants and are committed to delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. The EPA’s report recognises our progress in monitoring, testing, and safeguarding water quality. Where risks are identified, we act swiftly — issuing temporary Boil Water Notices or Do Not Consume Notices to protect public health.

“While improved incident detection and escalation protocols — highlighted by the EPA as a positive development — may result in the earlier activation of BWNs, the sharp decline in both the number and population affected in 2024 demonstrates real progress in infrastructure resilience and risk management across the public water supply network.”

In total the number of Boil Water Notices issued in 2024 was approximately half that of 2023. Over the course of the year 37 notices were lifted, restoring safe water to 91,929 people.

There are five long-term notices remained in place at the end of 2024, and over 72% of Boil Water Notices imposed in 2024 were rectified within 30 days.

In the past local Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore raised concerns about "systemic failures" within Uisce Éireann's wastewater management in Wicklow with reports of sewage leaks, including one on Bray beach that went undetected for five days also highlighted by Sinn Féin TD John Brady.

The water utility admitted to "multiple system failures" in relation to this incident, but since secured improvements to any outstanding issues.