COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/FONTHILL AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
QUESTION NO. 25
QUESTION: Councillor L. O'Toole
Further to reports regarding confirmation from IW that they were aware of bacteria issues with the Leixlip water plant treatment over the last number of years as far back as five years, this committee asks that IW responds to this committee on the matter.
REPLY:
Irish Water is the responsible body for the supply of drinking water and foul sewer drainage nationally since 1/1/2014. We requested a report from Irish Water regarding your question and they have reported as below:
"Thank you for your query. The Water Treatment Plant at Leixlip is operating normally and in compliance with all drinking water quality requirements. Irish Water is currently replacing the filters at the old plant at Leixlip on a phased basis. Works on upgrading of the filters commenced in July 2018 and are scheduled to be complete in Q2 2020. This process is being carried out as quickly and safely as possible while maintaining supply to the greater Dublin area.
Irish Water carried out an assessment in July 2014, following which substantial upgrade and improvement works have taken place on the old Leixlip Water Treatment Plant in recent years. The principal works include the refurbishment of the filters (ongoing), the addition of a back-up OSEC disinfection system and the integration of the new Water Treatment Plant and Ballygoran Reservoir into the telemetry system. Further works, including the provision of UV disinfection, pH Correction, Clarifier and flocculator upgrades will be completed in 2020 and 2021.
Drinking water quality is monitored at all our water treatment plants in compliance with the Drinking Water Regulations and the water being supplied to homes and businesses complies with these regulations.
Irish Water's primary focus is and always will be the protection of public health. Following consultation with the HSE, EPA and Fingal County Council, Boil Water Notices were placed on the Leixlip water supply as a precaution when it was confirmed that there was a potential impact on drinking water quality. On both occasions the Boil Water Notices were lifted as soon as it was safe to do so following monitoring and a number of satisfactory results."
Members are reminded that Irish Water have established a Local Representative Service Desk. This Service Desk can be contacted at localrepsupport@water.ie or at 1890 178 178. Irish Water also arrange Councillor clinics which typically take place quarterly, most recently in SDCC on 9th September 2019 and on 9th December 2019.