Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the harvesting of rainwater (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24921/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Harvested rainwater can potentially be used as an alternative source of water for various domestic purposes, e.g. supplying toilet cisterns, washing machines etc., and for various business and commercial operations. Environmental and economic benefits can also accrue from reducing the demand for water abstraction at source and the subsequent and expensive treatment of raw water for human consumption. Large-scale rainwater harvesting systems are already in use by some schools, factories and other buildings and are increasingly being incorporated into new developments. Retrofitting a rainwater harvesting system in existing households could require the installation of an attic storage tank and the re-routing and upgrading of plumbing and, therefore, could be expensive. Any plumbing system based on rainwater collection may contain traces of atmospheric and environmental pollutants, along with animal and bird faecal matter. It is essential, therefore, that there is no cross-connection between any pipe, fitting or appliance carrying non-potable water and pipes carrying potable water in order to avoid potentially serious issues for public health and risk of cross-contamination of the public water supply. It is essential that any installer is competent in safeguarding potable water supplies within a mixed pipe system and consumers installing such systems should be aware of the ongoing operational and maintenance requirements.

My Department has funded two pilot projects undertaken by the Dublin Institute of Technology on behalf of the National Rural Water Services Committee. The first pilot was carried out at two locations, a house in Ballinabrannagh, County Carlow and a farm at Clonalvey, County Meath. The project concluded that rainwater harvesting is a sustainable water conservation measure but was inconclusive on economic grounds. The report on the second pilot project, which was carried out in a school at Carrowholly in County Mayo, will be published shortly. All findings and recommendations regarding the projects will then be assessed fully by my Department. Earlier this month, I amended the Planning Regulations to facilitate rainwater harvesting in agricultural buildings. This amendment inserted a new exemption which will allow a farmer to install rainwater collecting receptacles either below ground or at gable ends of sheds to gather rainwater which can then be used for cleaning, etc. This provision should facilitate farmers to store and use free water for purposes other than watering their livestock, thereby saving money on their water bills as well as making optimal use of natural and renewable resources. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has advised that this water cannot be used for feeding livestock etc., unless it is properly treated.