Charleville Backyard Service Replacement Project

Uisce Éireann in partnership with Cork County Council, has replaced lead and backyard service connections in Holy Cross Place, Charleville Co. Cork to provide a more reliable water supply and improve water quality. 

The programme to remove lead service connections from the public water network in Holy Cross Place, Charleville commenced in mid-December. This involved the replacement of existing lead pipes connecting the public water network to a customer’s property with new modern pipes. Property owners will be notified if it is likely that there is lead present within the boundary of their property. Property owners are responsible for replacing this lead.

The works in Holy Cross Place, Charleville also involved the decommissioning of ageing back yard water mains and the delivery of approximately 900 metres of new water mains constructed along the public road. 

In some older estates water connections were installed to the rear of the property and are often referred to as backyard service connections. The pipework due to age and deteriorating condition are a significant source of leakage and reduced levels of service. Backyard services are usually shared, running through neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Since all properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all properties usually resulting in low pressure.

The works were carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Limited.

What are the benefits of the works?

The benefits of replacing the lead service connections include:

• Improved Water Quality – The presence of lead in drinking water is a recognised health concern and replacement of lead pipes will result in improved water quality.

• Improved Security of Supply – The replacement of lead pipework will significantly reduce the instances of bursts and water outages and will ensure a reliable supply of water to customers and local businesses in the area.

• Reduced Leakage – Replacing lead service connections will eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

Will customers be affected by the works?

A survey is required at each property within this community. The individual survey is undertaken to assess the current water connection arrangement for that property and discuss the best way to connect the new service to the customers home.

Customers to benefit from these improvement works will be contacted directly by Ward & Burke Construction ltd. to provide information about the required works and to discuss a suitable time to carry out an individual survey.

The works may involve some short-term water outages and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48-hours notice prior to any planned water outages. Where water mains are being constructed traffic management may be in place during this time. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

More Information

Residents and businesses in the areas to benefit from the planned improvements will be notified directly.

Details of any supply interruptions associated to this project will be updated regularly on the Supply and Service Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website.

Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project.