Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether progress in addressing poor water quality is adequate in view of the fact that the number of public water supplies on the remedial action list remains almost stagnant as a result of new water supplies continually being added to the list for remedial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25159/09]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of water sources at risk from lead poisoning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25129/09]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people in danger of drinking polluted water supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25401/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 53 and 156 together.

The EPA's report, The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland - A Report for the Years 2007-2008 published in April 2009, found that the quality of drinking water in Ireland is generally good and highlighted the progress which has been made in improving quality in recent years.

While I am unaware of any water sources at risk from lead poisoning, the EPA report has indicated that a relatively small number of lead distribution mains are present in the water distribution network. The EPA report also acknowledges that there are a relatively large number of lead service connections which are the responsibility of the property owners. The EPA has issued guidance to local authorities earlier this year in relation to conducting surveys to determine the extent of lead piping in the distribution network and the population served and to provide advice to property owners as to the risk involved. These surveys will be carried out in consultation with the HSE. A public water supply is put on the EPA's remedial action list where a risk has been identified which could potentially affect the provision of clean and wholesome drinking water from that supply.

As the agency notes in its report, the remedial action list is not exhaustive and additional supplies will be added arising from the audits carried out the EPA and arising from information provided by water services authorities, from the HSE and from my Department. Supplies are removed from the list when sufficient corrective action is taken by the relevant water services authority. My Department will continue to work closely with the EPA and the relevant water services authorities to address schemes on the list, to ensure that the necessary works are carried out and that each supply provides clean and wholesome drinking water. The remedial action list will be evaluated on a continuous basis.

My Department and the EPA developed an action programme in response to a similar remedial action list identified in 2008. In the case of some 60% of the supplies, the safety and security of supply could be addressed through abandonment of existing sources, better operational procedures or relatively small-scale improvements to the treatment processes. I made available a fund of €16 million in 2008 to deal with these small scale improvements. The balance of the supplies will require new or updated infrastructure and these are included in the Water Services Investment Programme. My Department will be reviewing the additions to the list in 2009 with the EPA and relevant water services authorities to identify the appropriate solutions in these cases.

Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations (No 2) 2007, extensive monitoring of drinking water supplies is carried out by local authorities to ensure compliance with microbiological and chemical parameters and in order to protect and safeguard public health. The EPA report shows that almost 240,000 monitoring tests were carried out on water supplies by local authorities during 2007. A water services authority is required to notify the HSE and the EPA where it considers there may be a potential risk to human health arising from a water supply. Subject to agreement with the HSE, the local authority must then ensure that any supply of contaminated water is restricted or prohibited and that consumers are informed promptly and given appropriate advice.