EPA ups the ante RRUURRAALL WWAATTEERR NNEEWWSS - National Federation of Group ...
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RURAL WATER NEWS EPA ups the ante National Federation of Group Water Schemes Magazine of the Group Water Scheme Sector Autumn 2007 Volume 9 Issue 3 Office of Environmental Enforcement identifies key issues The EPA’s annual report on Improvement Referring to public said that ‘actions must deal drinking water quality is to According to Ger O’Leary of schemes, he said that the with the root causes of prob- become stronger on the Office of Environmental absence of chlorine monitor lems’ and should not be ‘a enforcement and will map Enforcement, agreement has alarms is an area that should patch job’. been reached with the Health be dealt with immediately. In Many public plants are run- out what needs to happen Service Executive on the cri- addition, Mr O’Leary stressed ning above their design over the next number of teria that will be applied for the need for public schemes to capacity, he said, adding that years. placing and lifting a boil be active on the following: this is inconsistent with sus- As part of a radical over- notice. • the provision of chlorine taining drinking water quality. haul, we are likely to see a Speaking to delegates booster stations, where And in a clear reference to profiling of schemes consid- attending the National Water needed; the contamination crisis that ered at risk, with three options Summit held in Croke Park • measuring turbidity at the hit group schemes in the East being presented, the most seri- Conference Centre on 2 & 3 inflow and outflow from Cavan DBO bundle earlier ous being a recommendation October, Mr O’Leary said that treatment plants. this year, he called for tighter to shut down a supply where a recent report suggests that Root causes controls over the chemicals there is serious and persistent many water supplies are in the Speaking about the water used in the treatment of In this issue: non-compliance. ‘high risk’ category. supply sector as a whole, he drinking water. Page Comment ......................................3 Water matters: have your say! ....3 Rural Water Conference 2007 ....4 Effective management means huge savings on Cavan largest GWS ..7 The legislative context explained 9 Water Framework Directive: significant management issues ....11 Delays in south Leinster project 13 Practical measures of source protection ....................................13 Make returns to Registrar ..........13 Report awaited on East Cavan crisis ..............................................14 Keeping members informed – for free ..........................................15 Important seminars to consider regulations ....................................15 The state of the RWP ................16 Treatment alone is not enough ....16 Updates on pilot projects ............17 Regional Reports: Connacht ......................................19 Ulster ............................................21 Ger O’Leary of the Office of Environmental Enforcement speaking at the National Water Summit held in Croke Leinster ........................................24 Park conference centre on 2 & 3 October. Munster ........................................27 1
Comment Water Matters Rural Water News Autumn 2007 have your say! Can the people of Ireland be trusted with protection of the environment and of our water courses in particular? This was the question posed by Professor Tom Collins in a thought-pro- voking concluding address to this year’s Rural Water Services Conference. Public consultations on key and Nenagh (Abbey Court) Arguing for a decisive shift from ‘a water treatment philosophy issues affecting waterways respectively. to a water protection philosophy’, the Chairperson of the For further info, phone Jean in the Shannon River Basin National Rural Water Monitoring Committee didn’t mince his Hartery at 061-337914, or District and Western River words, stating that we (the people of Ireland) are ‘systemically email info@shannonrbd.com Basin District will be held untrustworthy’ when it comes to environmental issues. Western RBD over the next two months. Harsh as this may sound, I doubt if there was anyone present Pat Canney is the contact for In the Shannon RBD at the conference (myself included) who could claim, hand on (including a region from the Western RBD that extends heart, that they never knowingly did something that would south Cavan to north Kerry), from Mullaghmore in Sligo to damage the environment. You know what I mean ... the bag of the consultation process the Burren in Clare. He is rubbish thrown over the hedge, the bog or other wetland begins in hotels in Ennis available at 091-746804 or infilled with spoil or building rubble, the oil poured down a (West County) on 9 October, ecanney@galwaycoco.ie. drain, the septic tank that doesn’t work, the slurry spread in followed by Limerick Consultations are at 7.30pm unsuitable conditions ... I could go on! (Kilmurry Lodge) on the 10th in Castlebar (Day’s) on 10 As Professor Collins suggested, we have been deluded into and Tralee (Brandon) on the October and continue in thinking that technology can solve every mess that we create. 11th. All start at 8pm. November in Sligo (Sligo We have bought into the ludicrous Victorian notion that tech- If you have already missed Park) on 5th; Galway City nology can control the environment. these, four other consulta- (Radisson) on the 13th; We need to build a new ‘civic morality’, according to tions take place between 22 Clifden (Station House) on Professor Collins and the rural water sector should be to the and 25 October, at Carrick-on- the 15th; Ballyvaughan (St forefront of this, setting 2020 as the target date to have Shannon (Landmark), Mount- John’s Community Hall) on restored our waterways to pristine condition. nugent (Crover House), the 20th and in Tuam The Water Framework Directive will maintain a focus on this Athlone (Prince of Wales) (Corralea Court) on the 27th. Water Well Drilling issue for years to come, but surely we don’t have to wait for the threat of sanctions before we start doing the right thing? Water Quality Improvements at Source Locally, stakeholders need to be brought together to tackle the issue of water pollution and there needs to be active cross- county and cross-border co-operation to deal with river and One of the most important tasks for any group water lake catchments. scheme is to consider the performance of your Let’s focus first on our drinking water sources, because there groundwater source in terms of quality and quantity. has to be community buy-in to this and people are most likely • Low-cost trial drilling can establish water supply to buy into protection of their own drinking water source. and water quality prior to developing production Begin by mapping the river catchment or aquifer, then identify well/treatment system specification. the risks and the potential risks. Finally, take steps to eliminate • Cement-sealed wells prevent shallow surface-water those risks, so that our sources can begin their recovery. entering a supply, reducing the risk of contamination. The source protection pilot project at Churchill & Oram GWS • An inert uPVC casing/ has provided valuable lessons in all of this and the team at screen or stainless steel DkIT are available to share their expertise. Schemes and local screen with gravel pack authorities should be setting aside resources in the coming between screen section year, taking the first decisive step in building a ‘civic morality’ and open hole helps pre- and achieving the target suggested by Professor Collins. vent the ingress of silt/ Disclaimer sand into a water supply. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information Contact the experienced contained in this publication is up to date and correct, no professionals responsibility will be taken by the National Federation of Patrick Briody & Sons Ltd Group Water Schemes for any error which might occur. Briody Aquadrill Services Although grateful for the support of our advertisers, readers The Grove should note that inclusion of an advertisement does not imply Rathangan, Co. Kildare any form of recommendation. We try to ensure the reliability of advertisers, but Rural Tel. 045-524360 or 087-2589313 Water News cannot accept liability for the quality of goods and Fax 045-524785 services offered. Web:www.briodydrilling.com 3
Rural Water Conference 2007 Rural Water News Autumn 2007 Minister acknowledges ‘positive impact’ of EU scrutiny 254 delegates attending the Action Plan rural water conference in Pointing to the work of the Cavan heard Minister Tony National Rural Water Killeen, TD, acknowledge Monitoring Committee, he what he described as the said that the action plan pro- ‘positive impact’ that the duced in 2003 in response to EU focus on water quality the European Court of Justice has had for Ireland. ruling against Ireland ‘was Referring to his personal very substantially delivered involvement as a committee on’ and ‘superb work has member of Kilnaboy GWS in been done’. County Clare and the open- Turning to the future of the ing earlier this year of four sector, he continued: DBO treatment plants in his ‘The situation has moved native county, the Minister light years away from what it said that he was struck by the used to be. Today we are pre- ‘extraordinary change’ of sented with very different recent years. challenges and to meet those Having been charged with challenges, schemes need to responsibility for the rural be managed in an entirely water sector in the Department different manner.’ of the Environment, Heritage The quality of training will, implementing source protec- tion rather than confrontation & Local Government, he said, ‘be a critical issue’ in tion and on other key areas that we address these crucial Minister Killeen told confer- ensuring quality delivery of affecting the rural water sec- matters.’ ence delegates EU scrutiny rural water services. tor. He concluded: Management theme has ‘acted as a catalyst’ for The Minister made a plea to ‘I would like to think that Following on from the the transformation taking GWS Boards of Management notwithstanding the provi- Minister’s address, the need place in the sector and should and to local authorities to sions of the new regulations, for effective management be welcomed for that reason. work closely together on it will be through co-opera- was echoed in contributions from conference speakers. In the course of a sectoral overview, NFGWS Research & Development Officer, Brian MacDonald, cautioned against complacency, arguing that while there had been great strides in terms of put- ting physical infrastructure in place, the managerial chal- lenge is emerging as a new priority for group water schemes. Stating that water treatment should only be regarded as ‘a step in the right direction’, he said that the Cryptosporidium outbreak in County Galway and East Cavan’s Phenol contamination crisis had exposed the fact that things Above: Prior to the conference, Minister Tony Killeen, TD, and his officials met with representatives of the can and will go wrong and Water Services National Training Group and the National Federation of Group Water Schemes. Pictured, front row (l-r) Terry Allen (DoEHLG), Terry Ó Niadh (WSNTG), Minister Killeen and Brendan O’Mahony schemes must prepare to deal (NFGWS). Back row (l-r) Carthage Cusack (DoEHLG), Tom Kirby (WSNTG) and Seán Clerkin (NFGWS). with setbacks and to learn Top right: WSNTG Chairperson, Terry Ó Niadh made a presentation to Minister Killeen following his address. from them. 4
Rural Water News Autumn 2007 ‘This will require consistent This was the question an agreed contract offers the The restructured subsidy management’, he said, posed to GWS committees best way forward. will, she said, go some way adding: by NFGWS Health & Safety Resentment to addressing this, but regard- ‘In addition to managing the per- Officer, Karen Mulkeen, as She warned, however, that less of any obstacles, it is formance of their treatment sys- she made the case for the employment of a manager crucial that GWS committees tem (whether DBO or not), employment of paid man- may raise issues in relation to recognise that this is the only schemes must manage sources agers ‘to ease the burden on finance and potential resent- sustainable course if they are to maintain quality and quantity our voluntary activists’. ment, as someone is now to meet the requirements of of supply, manage water quality While voluntarism was, being paid to do work that oth- the recently-introduced legis- in the network, manage the net- and would remain, ‘the ers formerly did for nothing. lation and regulations. work itself to avoid wastage and bedrock’ of a group water manage finances and the wider scheme, the range of tasks business affairs of their co- facing a GWS in securing a operative.’ licence and managing their Mr MacDonald concluded business, meant that volun- that the new subsidy negoti- tarism alone is simply not ated between the Federation sustainable, she said. and the Department is Ms Mulkeen told delegates expected to reflect the grow- that to secure a licence, water ing need for effective man- service providers will have to agement in all group water consistently demonstrate schemes. quality water and quality Preparing for licensing consumer service achived ‘Can you, with hand on heart through quality management. say that there will be others Listing almost 30 specific prepared to do all that is tasks facing a group scheme required when you step in meeting these obligations, down, bearing in mind that she said that a manager each year more and more is qworking under the dirfec- National Water Services Project Manager, Kevin Reilly, chaired the required?’ tion of a GWS Board and to second session at the conference. Liability Insurance for Group Water Schemes Brokers: Lyons Insurance Services Limited Underwriter: D. A. Constable Syndicate (Ireland) Ltd. (Acting for D. A. Constable Syndicate 386 at Lloyds) • Insuring Federation Members for over 15 years • Single Combined Employers/Public Liability Policy • Standard cover includes Employer Liability €13,000,000 Public Liability €2,600,000 Emergency Repair Work & New House Connections • Competitive Rates Quoted Contact Noreen Gilligan, Lyons Insurance Services Limited The Square, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. T. 094 9371511 F. 094 9371389 E. tlyons@eircom.net LYONS INSURANCE SERVICES LTD. IS REGULATED BY THE IRISH FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY AUTHORITY AS AN AUTHORISED ADVISOR 5
Effective management means huge Rural Water News Autumn 2007 savings on Cavan’s largest GWS Cavan’s largest group water scheme has managed to save its consumers about €230,000 annually by reducing water wastage through its distribution net- work and there are plans for further savings in the months ahead. This was the message delivered by Erne Valley GWS manager, Mairéad Sheridan, whose presentation to the Rural Water Conference underlined what schemes can achieve through appointing a dedicated man- ager and maintenance staff. Erne Valley GWS With almost 1,600 connec- tions, of which 1,140 serve a domestic dwelling (some- Mairéad Sheridan, Manager of Erne Valley GWS, pictured with Cathage Cusack of the DoEHLG. times in addition to a farm- the Baker’s successful busi- committee was to reduce with high usage were alerted yard), Erne Valley is one of ness in Granard meant that daily demand to a level that they might have leaks. Ireland’s biggest group water she had ample experience in where the treatment plant Similarly, those with unautho- schemes. business management. could become operational. rised connections were urged Its 240 km network links a Working closely with the In additon to completing to regularise their situation or large rural of south west committee, she began to the universal metering con- face the consequences, Cavan. Formerly, this region implement a plan to have tract, this required the including legal action and was served by two schemes quality treated water flowing appointment of a dedicated disconnection! Gartylough GWS and to homes across the scheme caretaker to deal with main- Since the waste reduction Brusky/Killydoon GWS, but at the earliest opportunity. tenance and repairs on an programme began, daily in 2005, these amalgamated As things stood, the new ongoing basis. In August demand has dropped to 3,300 to form Erne Valley GWS. state-of-the-art water treat- 2006, John Masterson was m3 (726,000 gallons) across Following amalgamation, a ment plant could not be appointed to this position fol- the entire network, a 42% major upgrade programme switched on, because of mas- lowing normal recruitment reduction! In terms of the began, including construc- sive water loss along the dis- procedures. financial benefit, the scheme tion of a treatment plant, an tribution network. In little over a year since is saving about €230,000 11-km interconnecting pipe Demand then, 500 leaks have been annually on the volumetric and universal metering. At the time of her appoint- detected and dealt with. More payment to the treatment To oversee these works, the ment, daily demand stood at significantly, the completion plant operator. new 15-strong committee a staggering 5,700 m3 (1.25 of the universal metering Mairéad Sheridan revealed moved quickly to employ a million gallons) per day, programme meant that the that with a further ongoing part-time manager. more than twice the design GWS has been able to move programme of replacing Candidate demand. The capacity of the away from its former flat-rate defective mains, installing After a process of advertising new treatment plant was billing system to a charging pressure reduction valves and and interviews, Mairéad 3,500 m3 (770,000 gallons), policy based on usage. establishing district (bulk) Sheridan emerged as the suc- but it could reach 4,400 m3 Meters meter areas across the cessful candidate and was (968,000 gallons) peak As soon as the meters scheme, it is hoped to appointed on 8 May 2006. demand. became operational, they achieve a 3,000 (660,000) m3 Her experience in the The priority for Mairéad were read by committee daily demand by the end of accounts department of Pat Sheridan and the Erne Valley members and those members this year. 7
Rural Water News Autumn 2007 Benefits with algae, should the problem Apart from financial savings, re-occur, but Mairéad the benefits of an effective Sheridan told delegates that management strategy were her objective as manager will witnessed when unforeseen be to get to the cause of the problems arose after the problem and to recommend treatment plant was switched the introduction of appropriate in April this year. source protection measures. An unprecedented algal Information bloom hit Garty lough, the Consumer education is clearly scheme’s source in June and high on her agenda. Besides again in August. The treat- issuing bills detailing the ment plant hadn’t been volume of water through the designed to deal with this meter, all members will problem and there was no receive a newsletter in option but to shut it down advance of the AGM. temporarily on both occa- Mairéad Sheridan accepted sions. that her role requires positive The manager’s task was to support from a range of address the public health people, not least the water issues involved, ensure a services section of Cavan flow of information to the County Council. committee and the wider She concluded by paying membership, organise the tribute to the committee of scouring of lines after the Erne Valley GWS and to events, as well as working John Masterson, for ensuring with the service provider that the scheme is on its way (EPS) to find a solution. to achieving quality water The treatment system is and a quality service through now being expanded to cope effective management. 8
Explaining the Autumn 2007 legislative Rural Water News Water Services Act The full enforcement of the In recent years, Pat Keane of provisions of the Act in tersm the Water Services Policy of the licensing of group context Section of the DoEHLG has water schemes will follow become a familiar face to production of appropriate rural water activists. guidelines, Mr Keane said. A key figure in drafting the Habitats & Heritage Water Service Bill as it A legislative area that has not appeared before the Houses figured largely in the minds of the Oireachtas (and in of rural water activists, but redrafting it on its tortuous has presented major chal- This year’s conference Authority can also issue route towards enactment), he lenges to GWS upgrades in broke new ground when a directions in relation to water returned this September to some areas, is the protection representative of the treatment. explain the measure as it was afforded to designated areas Environmental Protection The regulations also require finally enacted and signed and heritage sites. Agency addressed delegates. an ‘immediate investigation’ into law on 14 May. Oliver Fogarty, a senior Darragh Page, an Inspector into the cause of a problem Operational advisor in the DoEHLG, with the environmental where remedial action is Amongst its operational pro- addressed the sometimes con- watchdog outlined the impli- called for and a strict visions, the Act allows a local flicting claims of public cations for the rural water timescale is laid down for the authority (WSA) to close, or health and the legal protec- sector of the European preparation by the group order remediation, of polluted tion afforded to particular Communities (Drinking scheme of an ‘action plan’. drinking water sources. designated sites and species, Water) Regulations, 2007. This plan may then be Where there is a temporary and outlined a protocol that Explaining that local amended. interruption of supply that should applied in such cases. authorities are to be Water Offences exceeds 24 hours, an alterna- Apart from 60 different Supervisory Authorities for Mr Page detailed a series of tive source of domestic drink- habitats, including turloughs, group schemes, he said that offences under the regula- ing water must be provided. raised bogs, blanket bogs, under the regulations, they tions. Amongst these, it is an A WSA has strengthened clean lakes and limestone have strengthened powers of offence ‘to fail to carry out a acquisition powers under the pavement, protection is given enforcement, new powers of direction to prevent, limit, Act. This includes power to to 25 endangered species, direction and the ability to eliminate or abate a risk to acquire a waterworks where including otters, bats, salmon impose sanctions. health’. two-thirds of the members of and freshwater pearl mussels. A Water Supervisory Similarly, failure to prepare a GWS agree. International conventions Authority (WSA) can now and implement an action pro- ‘Orphan’ schemes (where (signed up to by Ireland) direct a water supplier to gramme, inform consumers there is no active committee) mean that, when planning keep and submit records about remedial action, main- can be taken-in-charge, while development, special consid- relating to : tain records of incidents, or to a WSA has power to take eration must be given to these • Management and treat- make records available to over management of a and to archaeological sites. ment of water supervisory authorities, are scheme on a temporary basis, A water service provider, • Monitoring results all deemed an offence. and to charge the costs for example, would have to • Corrective actions Under Regulation 19, it is involved to the scheme. demonstrate conclusively that • Disinfection an offence to: Under the Act, it an offence no alternative existed when • Information for inclusion • refuse access to an autho- to damage pipes or tamper carrying out an essential on the Register rised person with meters. Those wishing upgrade that might impact on Risk to health • obstruct/impede an autho- to build over pipes will any of the above. Where there is a risk to health rised person. require consent to do so. Continued on page 11 the WSA (in consultation • give false or misleading with the Health Service Exec- information to an autho- utive) can now direct a water rised person. supplier to take appropriate • fail to comply with a direc- measures to prevent, limit, tion from an authorised eliminate or abate that risk. person. Where it considers it appro- All of the above offences private, a Water Supervisory carry financial penalties. Oppsite page (from top) Alex McDonell of Mayo was one of many del- gates to participate in question & answer sessions; Members of Townawully GWS with Donegal Rural Water Liaison Officer, Mary McDermott; Delegates used breaks in the conference to renew old acquaintances and to share information; NFGWS Chairperson, Brendan O’Mahony in conversation with Professor Tom Collins. This page: (left) Darragh Page, the first EPA representative to address an annual rural water services conference; (right) Pat Keane, DoEHLG. 9
Explaining Water Framework Directive Rural Water News Autumn 2007 the legislative Significant management issues context When it comes to the timetable for implementing Continued from page 9 the Water Framework The best way for schemes Directive, Ireland is to the (or local authorities) to fore, but the critical factor avoid problems in this area will be our success in is to check in advance if the restoring our waterways to proposed site for infra- at least ‘good status’ by structural work falls within 2015. a designated area. This was the message Mr Fogarty explained that delivered to conference dele- a search on the National gates by Pat Duggan of the Parks and Wildlife Service DoEHLG, in an overview of website (www.npws.ie) will key water management clarify matters, as this lists issues that need to be and provides GIS mapping addressed in river basin man- of every Natural Heritage agement plans. Area (NHAs), Special Areas At risk of Conservation (SACs) and Some 61% of our groundwa- Special Protection Areas ter resources are at risk, and (SPAs). It can be searched by those risks are significant in Following publication in June of the excellent booklet Water matters: have county and by grid within several regions. your say!, each River Basin District is currently organising a public con- sultation process. See page 3. each county. Similarly, 64% of surface Protocol water are at risk, especially The need for the works must in Leinster. be measured against the A range of management potential impact. The ele- issues arise, from control of ments of a protocol, there- wastewater and industrial fore, include: discharges to abstraction • Screening • Examination of alterna- policies and dealing with tives both point source and diffuse • Environmental Impact pollution. Assessment A fuller article on this • Decision paper and on the public • Mitigation/compensatory consultation around the habitat WFD will be carried in our • Derogation. next issue. Oliver Fogarty, DoEHLG. Pat Duggan, DoEHLG. 11
Rural Water News Autumn 2007 12
Delays Practical measures of Rural Water News Autumn 2007 source protection in south Leinster Project The National Source Protection Pilot Project at Churchill & Oram GWS has The first treatment plants entered a new phase, with have been commissioned in practical measures for the South Leinster DBO bundle, but delays have source protection appearing meant that the overall con- throughout the catchment. struction programme has Simple cost-effective initia- already been extended by tives are currently being several months. installed at a large number of EPS sites. The DBO contactor, EPS, has Over the summer, the DkIT commissioned plants on the project team walked all river- Clifden, Castleinch and banks throughout the catch- Cuffesgrange Group Water ment and identified and meas- Schemes in Kilkenny. ured accurately the amount of These are expected to be riverside that would benefit followed in a few weeks by from simple fencing and the the commissioning of installation of buffer strips, Castlewarren (Kilkenny), St. where appropriate. A borehole drilled at a septic tank is surrounded with Bentonite to pre- Mullins Parish (Carlow) and This simple initiative will vent pollutants entering the borehole. Inset: The finished ‘intrusive Kilanerin (Wexford) plants. ensure that direct cattle access inspection’ point scarcely disturbs the surrounding lawns or field. The commissioning phase to rivers is prevented and will than ever before on the inner as little disturbance as possi- is welcomed by the schemes allow any impacted sites to workings of septic tanks and ble to the home-owner and involved, as there have been recover quickly. their potential impact on involve borehole drilling to numerous delays during the Wherever cattle access is water quality. map the groundwater table construction phase. restricted, drinkers are being ‘Non-intrusive’ and ‘intru- and define soil profiles. Some of the original target installed to ensure a plentiful sive’ examinations of septic Livestock dates programmed by the supply of water. tanks are continuing and The piping is normally cut contractor were not met, partly In addition to this, soil test- progress has been swift, down to ground level and pro- due to problems in appointing ing and nutrient management mainly due to the high level tected from livestock distur- sub contractors and drillers. of community support and co- bance with a concrete block. Revised plans are available to all farm- EPS has now submitted a ers to wish to partake of them. operation offered. These boreholes are also pro- revised programme to the end Septic tank survey The ‘non-intrusive’ studies viding samples for analysis of of the contract and this is cur- Another on-going initiative is are no more than visual soil and groundwater. rently being reviewed by the the broadening of the septic inspections with associated At the end of the sampling client’s representative. tank survey taking place in measurements and calcula- period, the boreholes will be The recent appointment by the catchment. tions, while the ‘intrusive’ decommissioned and there EPS of a dedicated full-time This part of the project is inspections (see pictures will be no evidence left to Project Manager (Eamon placing a greater emphasis above) are designed to create suggest they were ever there. Make returns Connolly) is likely to acceler- ate progress. whom deregistration would Electronic forms to Registrar Civil construction is ongo- be both costly and time-con- The Registry of Friendly ing on five sites at present. suming. Societies has now posted a Nineteen schemes (mainly NFGWS development offi- number of its official forms PWS) are at or near comple- 26 co-operative group water cers have contacted the on the Companies Registration tion with mechanical and schemes in 12 counties face schemes involved. Office website, including the electrical equipment now being struck off the Registry Other schemes are forms for annual and triennial being installed. of Friendly Societies for fail- reminded to double-check returns. Both PDF and ‘fill- All the advance works are ure to make returns. Amongst that their returns have been able’ Word format versions complete apart from some the schemes listed are a num- processed by their auditor are available. schemes that are carrying out ber that are actively involved and have been forwarded to See the CRO website at universal metering. in DBO contracts and for the office of the Registrar. http://www.cro.ie 13
Report awaited on Autumn 2007 East Cavan crisis Rural Water News (one of the schemes hit by the favour of introducing addi- contamination crisis) and the tional regulations if this was Federation representative. necessary. Responding to Mr Brady’s Monitoring argument that inherent weak- The Minister added that he is While there is no sign, as nols and other undesirable nesses in the monitoring and also examining the area of yet, of the final report on chemicals and by-products, regulation of chemicals used the monitoring of water treat- the phenol contamination seriously delayed efforts to in drinking water need to be ment products and stated that crisis that hit five group address the East Cavan crisis. urgently addressed, Minister he is actively considering the Gormley said that he is cur- resourcing of an appropriate schemes in the East Cavan Regulatory body rently examining this whole inspectorate to deal with this DBO bundle earlier this Similarly, the non-existence area and that he would be in issue. year, the incident has put a of a regulatory body to over- spotlight on all chemicals see the production and sale of used in drinking water treat- chemicals used in water ment. treatment is an issue that the Speaking to delegates at the NFGWS wants to see National Water Summit in addressed. Dublin on 3 October, Gerard This was one of several O’Leary of the Environmental points raised by the Enforcement Agency, said Federation’s Deputy National that there is a case to be made Co-ordinator, Colm Brady, for adding phenols to the when he met Environment range of substances to be Minister, John Gormley, in watched out for in Irish drink- Monaghan on 20 July. ing water supplies. This informal meeting was It is generally accepted that organised through local the absence of monitoring Green Party Councillor, and the lack of adequate lab- Vincent P. Martin and in Pictured following an informal meeting to discuss issues arising from the phenol contamination crisis are (l-r)) Cllr Vincent P. Martin, Glaslough/ oratory facilities in Ireland cluded a representative of Tyholland Chairperson, Peter Sherry, NFGWS Deputy National Co- capable of identifying phe- Glaslough/Tyholland GWS ordinator, Colm Brady, and Environment Minister, John Gormley, TD. 14
Keeping Important seminars to Rural Water News Autumn 2007 members consider regulations informed – for free The Drinking Water Committee The impact of the Water Regulations and their impli- A committee representing the Services Act will also be cations for licensing will be Department of the addressed. the focus of four important Environment, the NFGWS, Venues regional seminars for the the EPA and other rural Where a GWS is unable to rural water sector to be held water stakeholders, has been attend the seminar at their Group water schemes wish- in the near future. working in recent months, designated venue, they may ing to keep members updat- Rural Water News under- drawing up appropriate attend an alternative venue ed on developments such as stands that the seminars will guidelines. by prior arrangement. Venues disruptions to supply, forth- deal in detail with critical According to Pat Keane of are as follows (dates to be coming meetings, quality issues for the future of rural the DoEHLG (a member of confirmed in due course): this committee), the seminars • Hotel Kilmore, Cavan information and suchlike, drinking water supplies and that two representatives from are being designed to: • McWilliam Park Hotel, may do so at no financial each GWS will be invited to • explain the Drinking Claremorris cost and with very little attend. Water Regulations; • Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny, effort. An implementation circular • outline the role and • Lynch South Court Hotel, The days of writing letters, stuffing envelopes, addressing and a handbook outlining responsibilities of local Limerick and posting them may not be how the Drinking Water authorities as Supervisory The seminars are to be held quite over yet, but the prolif- Regulations will be imple- Authority in their area, and in the evenings (starting at eration of mobile phones mented is scheduled for • focus on what is expected 7.30pm) to facilitate atten- means that new technologies release prior to the seminars of the individual GWS dance by GWS management can be used to send routine or taking place. under the regulations. committees. emergency information could make significant sav- informed of training, match Counties (schemes in border quickly and relatively cheaply. ings, but more importantly venues etc. through text. areas, please note!). In fact, the secretary/man- members will receive infor- Jean has a pay-as-you-go The message doesn’t have ager of your GWS can send mation speedily, as required. mobile and after registering to be sent immediately, but up to 300 free text messages Whizz-kid with her provider via comput- can be scheduled to send at monthly, simply by register- So how does it work? Well er, she was supplied with a any time or date within the ing through the website of NFGWS Quality Assurance password. When she needs to calendar month. So if you their mobile provider. Scheme Officer, Jean Gibson, communicate with the panel, swan off to Costa-del- For their part, O2 provide is a whizz-kid when it comes she simply goes into her com- Wherever, a reminder of a 250 free text messages to this sort of thing. She has puter, enters her password planned meeting will be trans- monthly, while Vodafone and been using free web-texting and then types her text mes- mitted regardless, because Meteor give their customers in her role as secretary of her sage into the box provided. you entered it before you left! 300. Using a dedicated phone local camogie club for some This is then sent to everybody Limitations for this purpose, schemes time now. Club members are in her camogie folder. Like any system, there are Folders will include the limitations. First, the usual names and mobile numbers of character limit of texting each member. According to apply, so you can’t send a Jean, a scheme might simply long letter. Secondly, and create a separate folder for most importantly, there will each district meter area, as be gaps as some of your well as an overall folder. members, particularly elderly Thus, when there is essential people, won’t have mobile maintenance work on a sec- phones. These gaps should be tion of the distribution net- noted and care taken that a work, only consumers on that neighbour or committee section are informed. member alerts them of the It doesn’t matter that vari- contents of the text message. ous panel members will have Finally, if you’re like me other brands of phone; the and can’t quite master the messages are delivered to any technology, do what I do … Similar web-text messages can be sent to your GWS members at no cost. mobile phone in the 26 ask a youngster to help you. 15
The state of the RWP Rural Water News Autumn 2007 The case presented to the Mr Cusack, the latest date European Commission in being 31 December 2008. June provided much of the Compliance core data presented to the There was heartening news in relation to compliance Rural Water Conference by with the crucial e-coli stan- Carthage Cusack of the dards. Recent monitoring has Water Services Section, Treatment alone shown 626 schemes (86%) in Quality Assurance Scheme training was introduced on Tydavnet GWS DoEHLG. compliance, with 102 (14%) this summer. Jean Gibson (NFGWS Quality Assurance Officer) is pic- Detailing progress under in non-compliant. tured with Claire Sherlock (Tydavnet GWS) and Dr Siobhán Jordan bringing schemes into com- Translated into households, (National Source Protection Pilot Project). is not enough pliance with water quality 92% (80,997) are receiving standards, Mr Cusack also water that complies with the provided an account of the ecoli standard, while 7,270 financial drawdown under (8%) are not. the RWP Capital Investment Cautioning that there is Programme in 2007. more to do, Mr Cusack said Sector that while great progress has For any group scheme that and recording approach to A total of 728 privately- been made, the threat of EU sourced schemes, supplying thought the provision of quality assurance’. sanctions still hangs over state-of-the-art treatment In essence, it involves the 50 persons or more (encom- Ireland. facilities was the answer to identification of present or passing more than 88,000 Spend their water quality problems, possible hazards and formu- households), come under the The drawdown of funds the stark message from lates the steps which may be terms of the legislation. under the 2007 RWP alloca- NFGWS Quality Assurance taken to minimise or elimi- Of these, 451 scheme were tion had increased more than Officer, Jean Gibson, was nate them. listed in Annex 14 as part of 5% on the same period in the case adjudicated on by 2006, with more than 38% that treatment of itself can- EPA Recommendation the European Court of allocated to early September. not guarantee quality at the Jean Gibson reminded dela- Justice in November 2002. Having said that, Mr consumer’s tap. gates that the EPA strongly A further 277 schemes Cusack pointed out that six Even in the most modern of recommends that every GWS (mainly in southern counties) councils had not drawn down schemes, it is not possible to should obtain certification have been added to this list. a penny! deliver quality drinking under the NFGWS Quality The upgrade plans set The highest rate of spending water without monitoring, Assurance Scheme. down in the National Rural has been under the ‘new & checking, inspecting and Until now, the absence of Water Monitoring Committee upgrade’ and ‘small scheme’ auditing: control is essential adequate treatment on most Action Plan 2003-2006 con- headings (54% and 44% to ensure success. schemes, meant that imple- tinue to be implemented. respectively), while spending According to Ms Gibson, mentation of this recommen- In terms of households, the on ‘connection to public maintaining quality along the dation had to be put on hold. upgrading programme is now mains’, ‘takeover’ and ‘disin- distribution network is As most schemes now have completed in respect of fection/sterilisation’ was dis- emerging as a new priority water treatment in place (or 60,684 homes. For a further appointingly low (20.5%, and the Quality Assurance will shortly have it) the QA 10,391 homes, upgrades are 23% and 1% respectively). Scheme is tailor-made for scheme is scheduled to be currently underway. More encouraging, spend- this, as it targets schemes that rolled out in the coming Projects that will benefit ing on DBO and advance are providing fully treated weeks and months. 17,000 homes are still at a DBO projects (40.66% and water to their consumers. Schemes in Monaghan, planning stage, but for 35% respectively) was well HACCP Cavan, Sligo and Limerick 11,000 of those the planning up on last year. The Hazard Analysis Critical are being targetted in the first process is at an advanced Mr Cusack concluded by Contol Points (HACCP) sys- instance. stage. asking local authorities to tem that forms the basis of Ms Gibson concluded by Timescales for the comple- focus on the priority measures the NFGWS Quality reminding schemes that QA tion of all remaining required to bring existing Assurance Scheme provides certification will be a condi- upgrades were revealed by schemes into compliance. a ‘systematic preventative tion of subsidy in future. 16
Updates on pilot projects Rural Water News Autumn 2007 Delegates to the Rural the success of the project to months before the true worth Water Services Conference date, the preliminary figures of the system could be prop- heard stimulating updates are encouraging to say the erly assessed. on three important pilot least. Rural Water News will projects being run under the A trial has been established carry a full feature at that auspices of the National on the outskirts of stage. Rural Water Monitoring Templemore, Co. Tipperary, Rainwater harvesting the site deliberately chosen Committee. As the cost of water rises, the because it presented many STEDS potential of using rainwater difficult challenges. While not directly related to as an alternative non potable The STEDS system was the issue of water supply, the supply is being tested in a retrofitted on almost 30 Septic Tank Effluent project being conducted in a homes. Construction includ- Drainage System (STEDS) domestic setting (a house in ed installation of a fibreglass project in North Tipperary is Ballinabranna GWS, County reinforced interceptor tank at of major interest to the rural each property, a 2” pipe net- Carlow) and an agricultural Matt Shortt water sector, as its outcome is work laid at a shallow depth setting (a dairy farm at system met the demand for certain to have a bearing on along the contours of the land Clonalvy, County Meath). toilet flushing, with mains the future of dispersed settle- and a secondary man-made The project is being run by water usage being reduced by ment in the Irish countryside. treatment system on a site Dublin Institute of between 22% -41%. The damaging environ- that is a fraction of the size of Technology and three team Problems with ammonia mental impact of domestic a normal wastewater treat- members, Dr Seán Ó hÓgáin, and faecal contamination on wastewater treatment systems ment plant. Liam McCarton and Anna the Clonalvy system are cur- (septic tanks) is no longer in In theory, the interceptor Reid addressed the confer- rently being addressed with dispute and STEDS is testing tank retains the problems that ence. the fitting of an improved fil- a simple procedure to prevent arise in normal systems, so At the domestic site, after a tration system and better that damage. that what is pumped from the six month commissioning sealing around the intake And while Project Director tank into the network won’t phase, the quality of the pipe. Matt Shortt of North cause blockages. water achieved a level com- The cost-benefit analysis is Tipperary County Council Mr Shortt said that it would parable with drinking water. continuing and a full report was careful not to overstate take about another six In terms of quantity, the on this project will be carried in our next issue. Source Protection Freshly returned from a major Canadian conference where the National Source Protection Pilot Project at Churchill & Oram GWS was one of the featured topics, Dr Siobhán Jordan provided a comprehensive overview of the broad range of activities being carried out as part of this project. Since the last conference farmward surveys had been completed in the catchment, as has extensive soil sam- pling. More recently, 181 septic tanks were examined, while more intrusive inspection has begun on some of these. Trial source protection Members of the Rainwater Harvesting Project team from Dublin Institute of Technology who addressed dele- measures are currently being gates to the Rural Water Services Conference (l-r) Liam McCarton, Anna Reid and Dr Seán Ó hÓgáin. implemented, she said. 17
Rural Water News Autumn 2007 18
Rural Water News Autumn 2007 Blue Hills Consulting is one of the leading consulting engineers providing technical advice to the Group Water Scheme sector. We shall be happy to discuss your Group Water Scheme projects regardless of size. Please contact Des Joyce for further information. Regional 10b Northwest Business and Technology Park T: 071 962 1875 W: www.bluehills.ie Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim F: 071 962 2859 E : info@bluehills.ie *** 2 – installation of intercon- servation infrastructure on Reports Construction is substantially necting pipework, rising Barnarusheen and Cleggan – complete on advance works mains and water conservation is also nearing completion. contract no. 1. This contract infrastructure on Milltown *** Connacht involved the installation of and Caherlistrane – is sub- The 4th meeting of the water conservation infra- stantially complete. Bulk Galway DBO 1 LMC was Region structure on all schemes in meter installation is ongoing, held on 10 September in the DBO bundle 1, except as is pipe bursting on Menlo Park Hotel with 11 Milltown, Barnarusheen and Caherlistrane. schemes represented. Both by Paul Connolly and Caherlistrane. *** Ryan Hanley and TSSL *** Joe Gallagher Advance works contract no. (DBO Contractor) provided Leitrim Advance works contract no. 3 – installation of water con- reports on progress to date. Sliabh an Iarann GWS is to be included in the Roscommon DBO bundle. This is the amalgamation of three GWS – Aughnasheelin GWS, Miskaun GWS and Mullagharve GWS. Galway Take-over-certificates have been issued for all of the treat- ment plants in DBO bundle 1, with the exception of New Inn GWS, which is pending reso- lution of a number of source issues. However, the plant has been producing treated water since February. The view from Inis Meáin GWS reservoir. Inis Meáin is part of the Galway DBO bundle 1 contract. 19
Rural Water News Autumn 2007 The meeting was chaired by Mayo were operational and it had Carra (incorporating Bally- Daniel Flaherty of Six DBO plants in bundle 1 been anticipated that the fol- glass/Carnacon, Banogues/ Cloonluane GWS. The next are up and running, while the lowing additional plants Ballintubber & Rathnacreeva). LMC meeting is scheduled existing treatment plant at would be commissioned As of the end of September, for 5 December. Belderrig is also being run by before the end of August – however, only the Lough *** Earthtech (Ire.) Ltd. (ETIL). Lough Mask/Creevagh, Carra treatment plant was The official opening of DBO In our last report, five plants Kilmovee/Urlaur and Lough fully operational. 1 schemes will take place soon. Ceremonies will be held at Ardrahan, Caherlistrane and Rinn-Killeeneen. *** Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers are currently assessing the tender docu- ments returned in early September for DBO bundle 2. Rural Water News under- stands that schemes in the bundle will be contacted in the coming weeks. *** Kiltiernan GWS held its first committee meeting on 26 July. This is one of several Galway schemes formed as a result of recent amalgama- tions. Officers were elected at a subsequent meeting on 13 August. Belderrig GWS water treatment plant, is being run as part of the first Mayo DBO bundle. 20
Rural Water News Autumn 2007 *** *** Fahy/Drummindoo plant was Advance works contract 2 to be operational by late (inter-connecting pipework December, but a site meeting for amalgamating schemes in on Thursday, 27 September DBO bundle 2) was awarded was told that March 2008 is to Glenkill Civil Engineering the likely completion date. Ltd. Work on this contract is *** progressing well and the esti- Ballycroy plant is supplying mated completion date is media filtered water into the May 2008. network. There is, however, Schemes benefitting from a continuing serious problem interconnecting under this of UFW on the network and contract include the plant cannot be fully Cuilmore/Burrishoole, commissioned until this has Bofeenaun/Rathkell/Derry- been addressed. A contract hillagh/ Lahardan, Cloonmore/ Members of three County Donegal schemes – Bunn GWS, Meenabool GWS and Townawully GWS met in July to share information and dis- for the replacement of 5km Rooskey, Fahy/Kilmaclasser/ cuss issues of mutual interest. The meeting was held in Townawully and of critical mains has been Drummindoo, Callow/ included an inspection tour of ongoing upgrade works. approved, with work com- Meelick and Sraheens. Brian MacDonald of the NFGWS briefed the schemes on the implications Ulster mencing immediately. Continued on page 27 of the new Drinking Water Regulations and the Water Services Act. *** being carried out on a number who passed away recently. Region In light of the long delay in of plants at the moment. *** completing the treatment Problems with algae arose on The West Cavan LMC met on plant at Glencorrib (due to a some of the lake sources, par- 18 July. It was reported that by Jean Gibson local legal dispute), the com- ticularly in August. Although carbon has been installed in mittee of Funshinagh/Cross Cavan the algae may be naturally the Doobally & Gowlan GWS is planning to reverse A Cavan County Federation occurring, schemes were plants and that the Glangevlin an earlier decision to amalga- meeting was held on 13 encouraged to protect their plant has been switched on. mate with the Glencorrib August. A presentation was sources and to monitor activ- *** scheme and to take water given by Colm Brady, who ity around them. Progress on The South West Cavan LMC from the proposed plant. went through the details of the take-over of the reservoirs meeting was held on 4 Members of Funshinagh/ the new Drinking Water has been slow, but the consult- September. All plants have Cross GWS will be asked to Regulations and the Water ing engineers are working to been operating satisfactorily. back their committee’s view Services Act. Schemes were get these works completed. *** that it would be best to pur- also given information on the *** Lavagh/Ballyheelan GWS sue an independent upgrade. NFGWS Quality Assurance Sympathy is extended to the have appointed Seán Funshinagh/Cross already Scheme. This will be rolled family & friends of Kathleen Reynolds as manager. We has disinfection and UV out shortly. Brady, former, longstanding wish Seán every success in his treatment in place. *** Secretary of the Kill GWS new position. *** Upgrading works contracts The tendering process for the are due to commence shortly second Mayo DBO bundle is on Corlough, Annagh, now completed and (as pre- Dhuish and Clifferna. dicted in our last issue) the *** contract has been awarded to Contracts for Phase 6 works Treatment Systems Services of the Annagh GWS were Ltd (TSSL). signed on 3 September. This An information evening for will see network improve- the schemes involved will be ments, installation of bulk held on Thursday, 18 October, meters on old pipework, in the Regional Training installation of chlorine units at Centre, Castlebar at 8pm. reservoirs and extension of Ryan Hanley Consultant the scheme to Roskeeragh, Engineers, Mayo County Belturbet. Council and the National *** Federation of Group Water East Cavan LMC met on 4 Schemes will have represen- September. Update reports tatives at the meeting. was given by Niall McCaffrey The estimated overall com- (T. J. O’Connor & Associates) Seán Reynolds (left) recently appointed manager of Lavagh-Ballyheelan pletion date for this bundle is and Matt Kelly (Veolia GWS, with scheme caretaker, Eddie Heslin. Both men attended the dis- March 2009. Water). Process changes are tribution network training in Dundalk on 28 September. 21
Cavan schemes get Rural Water News Autumn 2007 newspapers required both Speaking after the meeting, thumbs-up as ‘retraction and clarification’. Michael Mulvey said: Annoyance ‘We greatly appreciate the The meeting in the council effort made by the county County Manager offices was chaired by manager and his senior offi- Michael Mulvey, who cials to meet with us at such explained that there was short notice to address this clears the air widespread annoyance at issue. The remarks of the what had appeared in the county manager were warmly local press. He added: received by the GWS activists ‘The fact that these com- present and were welcomed ments were attributed to the unanimously. The Chairperson of Cavan emergency meeting on county council could only Activists Federation of Group Water Monday 23 July. have one result: the under- Thanking the GWS activists Schemes, Michael Mulvey, This followed local media mining of public confidence in from across the county ‘who has welcomed an assurance reports that schemes might be the county’s group schemes. took time out from their own from County Manager, Jack held legally liable. These ‘This was all the more dis- busy work lives to be pres- Keyes, that he has ‘total quoted a Council source. appointing as the relationship ent’, Mr Mulvey continued. Reassuring those present between the GWS sector and ‘This meeting was designed admiration and support’ for that he has ‘absolutely and Cavan County Council had to clear the air and to put the the GWS sector and that utterly no lack of confidence’ always been one of partner- message out to rural con- there is no question of any in the capacity of group ship and co-operation. sumers in Cavan that they can legal action being taken Unacceptable have full confidence in their schemes to conduct their against group schemes in Representatives of the group water scheme service.’ businesses, Mr Keyes said the wake of the recent phenol that he fully accepted the schemes said that the reported An agreed clarification pub- contamination incident. ‘need for action’ in the wake media comments were totally lished in the local papers, Mr Keyes was addressing of any reports that might sug- unacceptable, adding that stated unequivocally that the representatives from schemes gest otherwise. individual consumers had schemes affected by the phe- across the county, as well as He added that the reported contacted them to voice their nol crisis had done everything NFGWS personnel, at an comments in two Cavan concerns. legally required of them. Monaghan Group Water Scheme is now time step tests conducted in dealt in good faith with its Magheracloone GWS has completed, as is the contract one district metered area normal supplier and there warned its members about to install bulk meters and revealed numerous leaks that was no question of it taking the companies that are selling valves on Drumgole GWS. have now been fixed. risks with consumer health. unnecessary and expensive *** As a result, water demand was Both they and their supplier water treatment systems to Tenders for the replacement reduced by about 350 m3 from had been ‘caught and misled’ their consumers through of meters on 2,100 m3 per day to 1,750 m3. and the documentary evi- pressure sales techniques. Corduff/Corracharra GWS *** dence confirms this. The scheme used its recent were opened on 3 July. There was a lively meeting of Veolia had operated on a AGM and the ‘local news’ the Liaison Monitoring basis of trust with their sup- *** section of the print media to Emyvale village in the north Committee on 18 July as pliers. This would no longer hammer home the message of the county will connect to schemes sought reassurance be the case. Controls had that these companies are the Glaslough/Tyholland regarding the phenol crisis that been put in place to ensure operating a scam. GWS supply this month. This hit East Cavan DBO bundle. traceability right back to the *** is the second instance that a Three points, in particular, production phase. This meant Other areas in the county – group water scheme in were put to Richard Dujardin: that there could be no reoc- most notably Aughnashalvey Monaghan will provide water 1. media allegations suggest- curance of the East Cavan – have been targetted lately ing that Veolia had endan- incident in any Veolia-man- to a public scheme. by these companies. Over gered human health by aged plant. €2,000 is being spent on Last year Drum village was connected to the Drumgole purchasing contaminated Mr Dujardin accepted that the systems, with an additional water supply. chemicals ‘on the cheap’; incident had damaged con- maintenance contract costing €150 annually. *** 2. fear that a similar situation sumer confidence in the *** A new publicly-sourced GWS might arise in relation to region. Truagh Group Water Scheme has been constructed at chemicals used in the He pledged that Veolia would is currently upgrading valves Tattyreagh North, near Monaghan plants; play its part in rebuilding con- and chambers along its mains Annyalla. 3. the knock-on effect that fidence and concluded by network. *** these reports were having wishing a local man, Mark *** Killanny GWS is continuing consumer confidence. Rooney, well in his new role The contract to replace meters its attempts to reduce con- Responding, Mr Dujardin, as regional manager for the and valves on Tydavnet sumption and leakage. Night explained that the company company. 22
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