Wastewater Compliance
Irish Water has set up a Public Awareness and Communications Programme for members of the public who would like to receive environmental information about discharges from Wastewater Treatment Plants which have been licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Our Wastewater Treatment Plant Network
Irish Water operates a network of wastewater treatment plants across Ireland and has responsibility for operating and maintaining the public sewer network. These treatment plants vary in size according to the population of the area they serve. Despite the variation in size, the processes used to treat wastewater are generally the same.
Wastewater Discharge Authorisation
All Wastewater discharges (WWD) from areas served by Irish Water sewer networks and discharging to the environment requires a wastewater discharge licence or certificate of authorisation from the EPA. There are stringent conditions attached to wastewater discharge licences to ensure the treated effluent is of good quality and does not negatively impact on the environment.
Licenced Wastewater Treatment
View the list of EPA Licenced Waste Water treatment areas by county.
Licences and Reports
To search for Wastewater Discharge Licences (WWDL), Certificate of Authorisations (CoAs), historical Annual Environmental Reports (up to 2017), EPA audit reports and associated application relating to the WWDL, visit the EPA website. A step by step guide to help you find the relevant licence and documentation is available at WWD Access Guide.
Annual Environmental Reports (AERs)
Annual Environmental Reports (AERs) provide a concise summary of compliance information for the year being reported upon for Wastewater Discharge Licences. AERs are not required for the smaller Certificate of Authorisations. AERs for licensed agglomerations for 2018 and 2019 are available in this section. If you have a query about an AER you can contact Irish Water using the form below.
Bathing Water Quality
For information on the bathing water quality of Ireland's beaches, visit www.beaches.ie.
Receiving Water Quality
Receiving water is a stream, river, lake, sea or other surface or groundwater source into which treated or untreated wastewater is discharged. For information on receiving water quality, visit the EPA website.
Need to report an issue?
To report a wastewater treatment plant issue or emergency, call our customer care helpline on 1850 278 278. Our lines are open 24/7.