Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure chlorine monitors are installed at every water treatment plant in accordance with the recommendation of the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44413/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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During 2007, water services authorities were asked by my Department to review the operation of all water treatment plants (and associated infrastructure) and to ensure that the installation of continuous chlorine alarms and turbidity meters at appropriate locations at the treatment plant or in the distribution network (including at reservoirs) was progressed without delay. This request was restated in August 2008 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who issued a circular to water services authorities recommending the installation of a chlorine monitor and alarm in each public water supply. I understand that the installation of this equipment on public water supplies is substantially completed.

Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No.2) Regulations 2007, the EPA is responsible for the supervision of public water supplies. The Regulations provide that the EPA can issue such directions to the water services authorities (the 34 county and city councils) as it considers necessary to achieve compliance with the standards provided for in the Regulations and that failure to comply with such a direction by the Agency is an offence.