Uisce Éireann continues programme of works to improve water quality and supply in Naas
19 May 2023
Protecting the water supply in Naas is a vital focus for Uisce Éireann with further works planned as part of its programme to drive down leakage, improve water quality, and reduce the number of bursts and unplanned outages impacting the community.
Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Kildare County Council is replacing over 3.5km of ageing and problematic water mains with new, modern pipes in the Sarto area of Naas. The project will benefit 371 properties as new water service connections will be laid from the new public water main along the road to customer’s property boundaries, and will be connected to the customer’s water supply.
The works, which are due to begin next week are a critical step in conserving this precious resource and reducing high levels of leakage which have been a significant source of disruption and outages for customers.
Backyard services are found in older areas, often installed to the rear of a customer’s property and typically made of cast iron or lead. Due to the age and deteriorating condition of the pipework, they are often a significant source of leakage and supply disruption for customers. Backyard services are usually shared, running through a number of neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Where properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all connected properties, resulting in low pressure and/or outages.
Speaking about the benefits of the project, Joe Carroll, Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann said: “Old backyard service connections are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing these old water mains and service connections in poor condition will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.”
Joe added: “This essential programme is only successful if all customers on a shared backyard water service connection, support and facilitate these vital works, so that old and leaking mains can be decommissioned and properties can be transferred to a new water main supply located to the front of the property.
“We would like to thank the local residents in Naas for facilitating these works and working with us to provide a more secure and reliable water supply for generations to come.”
These works will be carried out by Ward & Burke Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be fully completed by the end of 2023.
Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. Traffic management will be in place for the duration of works including traffic lights and road narrows system. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.
These works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.
Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For local updates, please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website or set your location on our website.