Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1553. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15624/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has been the statutory authority responsible for the delivery of public water services, which includes responsibility for the provision of water services infrastructure at national, regional and local levels.

Conservation of water supplies is a key policy imperative as the treatment and distribution of drinking water is expensive and the supply of treated water is finite. Rain water harvesting at individual property level is a key element of Irish Water’s water conservation messaging as it reduces the need for treated potable water.

However, the suggestion of retrofitting a new dual system of distribution pipes for treated and untreated water across the public water network nationally would be economically prohibitive and massively disruptive. Irish water is currently managing 88,000 kilometres of pipe network, which is largely underground and concentrated in densely populated towns and cities, together with some 7,000 water and wastewater assets nationwide.

The immediate priority in conservation terms will continue to be the ongoing national Leakage Reduction Programme. This will include investment of some €250 million over the next four years under the Find and Fix repair scheme and the Water Mains Rehabilitation programme.

It may be helpful to note that while water sustainability systems (e.g. rain water recovery systems, grey water usage, etc.) are not mandatory, they are being used increasingly in homes and buildings, and my Department has ensured that appropriate standards are referenced under Part H – Drainage and Waste Water Disposal – of the Building Regulations and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document H 2010. My Department also publishes design guidance for local authorities - Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities– which emphasises environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. The influence of this guidance extends beyond social housing provision to provide an important reference point in promoting sustainability issues generally.