Protecting drinking water

Groundwater Protection Schemes (GWPSs) are used to preserve the quality of groundwater, particularly for drinking water purposes, through their role in the planning and decision making process. The Groundwater Protection Scheme does not have statutory authority, but provides a framework for decision-making and guidelines for the Local Authorities in carrying out their functions.

The majority of Ireland's population get their water from a public drinking water supply, which is sometimes called 'mains water'. The majority of abstractions draw on groundwater, but these tend to be smaller supplies.  Most public water consumers drink water that has been taken from rivers or lakes. Irish Water adopted the supply sources from the Local Authorities in 2013 and is responsible for the abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution of water from source to consumers.  

Where there’s no public water supply, a community may share a common water supply from a well, spring or lake and form a Group Water Scheme (GWS).  A GWS will operate and maintain their water supply source and distribution network. They vary in size from a couple of households to hundreds, sometimes thousands, of community connections including domestic, agricultural and industrial ones​.

Groundwater is usually the only source of supply in rural areas not served by Public or Group Water Schemes. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 private boreholes, dug wells and springs in use. Groundwater is a natural, clean resource but can be polluted. Private wells are not regulated, so it is important that well owners are aware of any risks, and test their water regularly.