Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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447. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to compensate persons who have installed water softeners in their home to improve the quality of water in view of the introduction of water charges in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49150/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations, 2007, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library, suppliers of drinking water are required to ensure that the water supplied is wholesome and clean. Water which is wholesome and clean is defined as water which is free from any micro-organisms and parasites and from any substances which in numbers or concentrations constitute a potential danger to human health, and which meets the quality standards specified in the Schedule to the Regulations. Hard water and the minerals associated with hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, are not included as parameters in the quality standards specified in the Regulations as they do not pose as a threat to human health. Even though hard water is safe to drink and meets the required drinking water standards, some households may choose to soften their supply but this is a matter of personal choice. There is no provision in my Department’s Vote for the provision of financial assistance in respect of the installation of water softeners.