There are 26 privately sourced group schemes in the midlands.
E. coli was found in 1 in 20 private water supplies in Ireland, according to the EPA report, Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies 2020.
It says the failures identified are of significant concern and put the health of consumers at risk
The report also shows that over one quarter of small private supplies, serving food businesses, nursing homes, crèches and B&Bs, were not monitored in 2020.
Noel Byrne, Programme Manager of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement says there are a number of reasons for contamination:
Noel says an immediate improvement is needed:
Community-owned and -operated water schemes have been vindicated in the latest EPA report, according to a representative group.
The National Federation of Group Water Schemes is welcoming the results of the study, which found 95% of private schemes are fully compliant.
There are 26 privately sourced group schemes in the midlands - 15 in Offaly, 10 in Laois, and one in Westmeath.
Senior Development Co-Ordinator with the Tullamore-based Federation, Joe Gallagher says non-compliances are often down to landscape:
Mercosur Vote Down To The Wire - Midlands MEP
Offaly Community Sports Facility To Remain Closed Over Christmas
Westmeath Security Expert Welcomes Gardai Training For EU Presidency
Lower Childcare Fee Caps Could Lead To Closures - FECP
Gardai Investigating Potentially Suspicious Approach Of Child In Laois
Midlands Animal Rescue Shelter Unequivocally Against Fox Hunting
Judge Disappointed And Surprised By AG Ruling On Burke Contempt Of Court Referral
Five Maternity Reviews At Portiuncula Hospital Ongoing
GardaĆ Confirm Discovery Of Man's Body At Midlands Premises
Laois Senator Warns Blister Pack Funding Cut Will Lead To Dangerous Confusion
Call To Fast-Track Living City Initiative For Westmeath Town
Midlands Community Sports Facility Closing With Immediate Effect
Man Arrested In Connection With Fatal Offaly Fire Released Without Charge
Westmeath Waste Facility Remains Temporarily Closed
Laois Man To Be Laid To Rest Friday
Laois Community Safety Partnership To Start January
Midlands Community Groups To Get Communication Grants
Offaly Community Shop Highlights Services
Offaly TD Urges Action On Student Accomodation
Laois County Council Urge Continued STEM EU Just Transition Funding