Nearly one thousand individuals across Ireland have reported to Irish Water that their household tap water caused them to fall ill over the past two years, according to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. A total of 973 complaints were made, with the highest number originating from the Cork City area.
Irish Water confirmed that they had investigated every single complaint but found no evidence that any illnesses were directly linked to the drinking water supply. Speaking about the complaints, a spokesperson for Irish Water emphasised the high quality of the country’s water network, stating, “There was no verified illness due to drinking water quality related to any of the complaints received.” They noted that over 99 per cent of Ireland’s water supplies fully comply with the national drinking water standards.
Examining the data, the highest volume of complaints came from Cork City Council, where 105 people expressed concerns over water-related illnesses during the two-year period. This area is known for ongoing difficulties related to discoloured drinking water, which has been a subject of public controversy. In 2023 alone, 62 complaints originated from Cork City, with 43 made the previous year.
Dublin City Council followed as another significant source of complaints, with 88 residents claiming they suffered illness attributable to tap water. Other counties with notable complaint figures included Cork County with 61, Kildare with 58, and Clare with 54. In contrast, some counties recorded very few complaints—Monaghan had five, Leitrim four, and Laois only three.
The data also revealed month-by-month fluctuations and localised spikes. For example, residents of County Clare reported 23 complaints in August 2023, while County Kildare saw 20 complaints in May of the same year.
Irish Water’s spokesperson clarified that the complaint figures reflect reports made by householders and do not represent confirmed cases of illness. “Any complaint that mentioned illness was treated seriously and sent at once for investigation,” they stated.
The company highlighted its comprehensive water quality monitoring system and its cooperative relationship with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The spokesperson explained, “Regular engagement between the HSE and [Irish Water] takes place where this surveillance indicates possible water vectors of transmission.” They further explained that whenever issues arise, immediate protective measures, such as boil water notices or “do not consume” advisories, are issued to safeguard public health.
These reports come amid ongoing scrutiny of Ireland’s water infrastructure, which has faced criticism in certain areas for quality and maintenance. However, Irish Water maintains that the overall water supply network continues to meet stringent regulatory standards.
Source: Noah Wire Services