Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library, suppliers of drinking water, including Irish Water, are required to ensure that the water supplied complies with the chemical and microbiological parameters set out in the Regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the supervisory authority with responsibility for monitoring Irish Water’s compliance with the Regulations. The procedures to be followed where there is non-compliance with parameter values are clearly laid out in the Regulations.

In the event of non-compliance with the quality standards set out in the Regulations, the water supplier is required to investigate the cause in consultation with the EPA and, if a potential risk to human health exists, with the Health Service Executive (HSE), to ensure that the appropriate remedial action is taken. This may include that the supply of water is prohibit ed, or the use of the water is restricted as is necessary to protect human health. In such circumstances, the water supplier is required to promptly inform consumers regarding the issue and to provide consumers with the appropriate advice.