Lead contamination in Ireland’s water supplies

Ireland’s Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that lead contamination has been discovered in 23 of the country’s water supplies.

Four of the affected areas have been issued public health notices, whilst other local authorities have been informed of what they need to do if excessive lead is discovered in their region’s water supply.

New Drinking Water Regulations were introduced in March this year.

Since then, excessive lead levels have been recorded in five areas of Galway city and county, in five areas of County Limerick, in three areas of County Donegal, two areas of County Leitrim, two areas in north Tipperary, two areas in County Kerry, and in Carlow, Longford, Wicklow and Cork.

Thirty five residents in Galway city homes, that were found to have high lead levels in their water supply, were tested for lead toxicity, although none of them tested positive.

The city council has now taken steps to reduce the pH levels of its water so that there is less interaction between the water and lead pipes.

The Department of Environment has released funds to replace lead piping in the city’s water system.

Experts on chemistry and engineering have been brought in from Britain and other countries to advise on how Ireland can avoid lead contamination in its water until the lead pipes are replaced.

The EPA was keen to stress that 99% of the country’s 994 public water supplies comply with legal standards on lead contamination.