Works continue to improve water quality and supply for customers in Dungarvan

11 August 2023

Protecting the water supply in Dungarvan is a vital focus for Uisce Éireann with further works planned as part of its programme to drive down leakage and reduce the number of bursts and unplanned outages impacting the community. 

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council is replacing over 1km of ageing and problematic backyard service connections with modern water mains, which will allow for 125 households to be connected to the new system.

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. This vital project will bring benefits to homes in St Thomas Street, Fitzgerald’s Terrace, St Brigid Terrace, St Martin’s Terrace (cul-de-sac), Keating Street and Mitchell Street by providing a more resilient and robust water supply.

Backyard services are typically found in older areas, often installed to the rear of a customer’s property and usually 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.

Uisce Éireann would like to thank all customers in Dungarvan who have engaged and assisted us in the provision of our back yard services programme which will not only result in significant water savings but will also reduce the number of bursts and outages impacting customers. These projects are only successful if all customers on a shared water connection support and facilitate these vital works so that the old and leaking mains can be decommissioned.

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: "We would like to sincerely thank the community in Dungarvan 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 Shareridge Civil Engineering Ltd in partnership with Waterford City and County Council on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit the Uisce Éireann website.