Midlands Water Treatment Facilities Found as ”At Risk” By EPA

A bug that causes serious stomach illness was found in 25 public water supplies around the country last year.

A bug that causes serious stomach illness was found in 25 public water supplies around the country last year.

The Environmental Protection Agency says while the quality of supplies remains high, cases of cryptosporidium have risen over the last three years.

In its latest report, it’s blaming the increase on inadequate treatment and infrastructure at some drinking water plants – Including one in Abbeyleix in Laois and one serving Mullingar.

Senior inspector at the EPA Dr. Michelle Minihan says the parasite can pose a serious health risk:

Irish Water are investing €65m in improving disinfection processes at Water Treatment Plants – including in Westmeath and Laois.

It follows a report from the Environmental Protection Agency that found 25 facilities weren’t adequately prepared to prevent an outbreak of cryptosporidium.

Upgrades are currently taking place in Mullingar and are expecting to be finished by the end of the year.

Mark McCauley asset planning manager with Irish Water says there’s no immediate cause for concern:

More from Midlands News

Download Our App