Written answers

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Water Conservation

9:00 pm

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify his policy on harvesting rainwater; if local authorities are encouraged to introduce harvesting systems; if any initiatives have been taken to retrofit local authority offices or depots; if any grant schemes have been introduced by him to encourage these initiatives; if he will provide an estimate of total cost for provision and treatment of water for own use by local authorities; if he will consider initiatives to encourage, or give instructions to local authorities to introduce grant schemes as is done with house insulation to introduce dual systems to domestic dwellings in order that water can be harvested for sewerage system, car washing and garden use and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36422/11]

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 353 of 15 November 2011, his plans to encourage water harvesting and to provide financial incentives to encourage same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36475/11]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 170 together.

Harvested rainwater can potentially be used as an alternative source of water for various domestic purposes, e.g. supplying toilet cisterns, car-washing etc. and for various business and commercial operations. There are also environmental and economic benefits that can 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.

Retro-fitting a rainwater harvesting system 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 on-going operational and maintenance requirements.

Many local authorities provide advice on their websites regarding water conservation and the efficient use of water. Some local authorities, for example Dublin City Council, have arrangements in place whereby water butts for household use can be purchased directly from the authority.

The introduction of a grants scheme for any purpose must be managed within current budgetary constraints and, in so far as the funds administered by my Department are concerned, there are currently no plans to introduce a scheme of grant aid for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems.

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