Confirmation from the EPA that it could be 50 years before all lead pipes are removed from the water infrastructure in this County has been described as ‘very concerning’ by a local public representative.
The EPA say it could take 50 years to take out all the lead pipes in the water system at the current rate of removal.
A new report has found the overall quality of drinking water is safe in this County but the watchdog also confirmed that 46 ‘vulnerable’ water supplies that need significant work.
One million people were supplied from 46 water treatment plants that were in need of urgent upgrade works.
The EPA says overall water quality was high, with 99.5% of samples meeting standards.
But it says the extent of upgrades required means too many plants are at risk of failing and too many people are left exposed.
Sligo Drumcliff Fianna Fáil Councillor, Donal Gilroy says the health risks are most serious for the very vulnerable in society:
