National Leakage Reduction Programme
We're investing €500 million in the public water network up to the end of 2021. This involves fixing or replacing old, damaged pipes and reducing high levels of leakage to provide a more reliable water supply.
How are we reducing leakage?
The national leakage reduction programme is delivering a number of different types of work which are collectively reducing high levels of leakage across the country. This includes the following:
'Find & Fix' scheme
The 'Find & Fix' scheme involves leak detection experts using sounding equipment in public areas to locate underground leaks. When public side leaks are found, we will carry out the necessary repairs.
Mains replacement
We plan and design our projects to replace old and damaged water mains across the country in areas where it is needed most. Our pipes are below ground with other services including electricity and gas. Therefore, we must carry out underground surveys and inspect the pipes before replacing them.
Backyard and shared connections
In some older properties water connections may be installed to the back of properties, running through customer’s back gardens or shared where two or more properties are fed by a single water pipe. These connections are often made from iron or lead and prone to leaks and disruptions. We are working to provide individual water pipes to each property.
Lead replacement
Lead in drinking water is a recognised health concern. We are investigating the pipes that connect individual properties to the public water mains, replacing any public-side lead pipes with new plastic pipes. Find out more at Lead in drinking water.
'First Fix Free' scheme
The First Fix Free scheme offers free leak investigations and free repairs on domestic properties where a constant flow of water is found on the external water supply pipe. Find out how you can get your First Fix Free.
District Meter Area establishment
This involves completing surveys and enabling works which allow us to measure water flow into and out of a defined area on the public network. Establishing this allows us to assess water usage is this area and review levels of leakage. Where measurements indicate high levels of leakage we then direct crews to these areas to locate the underground leaks.
Pressure Management
An important way to reduce leakage is to measure and manage water pressure on the public network. Where pressure is required to be balanced specialised valves are fitted to the public water pipes.
Business meter replacement
To ensure that business meters are operating effectively we are completing surveys to establish the condition of the existing meter asset base. Ensuring the correct sizing & technology is in place and where issues are identified the meters will be replaced.
We're on track to save 166 million litres of drinking water daily by 2021. That’s enough water to fill 66 Olympic-size swimming pools every day.
What does it mean for you?
- A more reliable water supply
Fixing and replacing old and damaged pipes to reduce disruption and outages from bursts. - Improved water quality
Reducing the risk of contamination by replacing aging, damaged cast iron and lead pipes. - Reduced leakage
Reducing the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground by replacing aging and problematic water pipes. - Individual water connections
Reducing disruptions by replacing shared and back yard water services with individual and accessible supply connections.
Leakage reduction campaign page
Much of our drinking water is lost through leaks before it ever reaches your tap. We're working to safeguard our water for the future by reducing the high levels of leakage.
Stay Safe
Irish Water staff and contractors will always identify themselves and show you their identity card. If you are unsure, please refuse access and call us on 1800 278 278 to confirm or visit our Stay Safe page.
Priority customers
If you are critically dependant on water for medical needs and have not registered as a priority customer with Irish Water, please call us on 1850 448 448 or visit Vulnerable Customer Services.
Visit out Project & Plans section to find out what's happening in your area