RURAL WATER NEWS Magazine of the Group Water Scheme Sector Spring 2014 Volume 16 Issue 1 A matter of urgency publicly sourced GWS sector needs answers A submission from the organisers of publicly February to tease out the the occurrence of a major pub - National Federation of sourced schemes being sup - many issues facing the sector. lic health incident involving Group Water Schemes to plied by the semi-State com - The meeting formed the this sector’. the Water Services Reform pany are still none the wiser unanimous view that there is Inability to plan Programme has highlighted about their position. urgent need for the develop - Addressing the focus group three issues that are The NFGWS now urges ment of policies and proce - meeting, GWS representatives ‘absolutely critical and in Irish Water to address these dures that will ensure that admitted that they don’t know need of immediate atten - issues as a matter of urgency. ‘three areas of i mmediate and what to tell their members. As tion’, if the growing con - Focus Group critical concern are proactively one commented: cerns of the publicly In light of growing frustration addressed’. ‘How are we to set a price for sourced GWS sector are to at the lack of information to Listing these concerns, water at the AGM when we be allayed. date, a focus group compris - NFGWS National Co-ordina - won’t know until later in the Although Uisce Éireann/ ing representatives of publicly tor, Colm Brady, explained year what the bulk price will Irish Water assumed control sourced schemes from several that they need to be addressed be and if our costs will be of public water and waste - counties met with NFGWS without delay, ‘rather than at a taken into account?’ water assets on 1 January, the management and staff on 26 later time, perhaps following Continued on page 4 In this issue: Page Comment ...... 3

VAT issue for GWS sector ...... 3

Annual Delegate Conference ...... 6 Ambitious programme of ZOC delineation work for 2014 ...... 10 Presentation of VTEC study results ...... 10 New study probes NOM and Pta risk to water supplies ...... 11

Raw sewage & the environment .. 12 Best water quality results in over a decade on impacted Monaghan river ...... 12

Wetlands resource for schools .... 12

On the Water Front ...... 13 NETLAKE: linking lake researchers across Europe ...... 14 Climate change and group water schemes ...... 15

What’s new in the water industry.. 18 Wind and solar energy provide the electricity required to run the drinking water treatment plant at Blakestown/Brittonstown in County Wicklow. Regional reports ...... 19 Rural Water News Spring 2014

2 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Comment We welcome the emerging emphasis on water services, VAT payment issue espe cially vital drinking water services, arising from the huge media interest in the establishment of Uisce Éireann/Irish Water (IW). While IW may not have been overjoyed by the for GWS sector attention focused on its start-up costs (including the engage - Arrangements in respect of any relevant contract tax ment of various consultants), nevertheless the new semi-state VAT payments for GWS deductions, directly to company must have been delighted with the focus on its new construction works domi - Revenue. remit of responsibility for the drinking water services formerly nated proceedings at the GWS as Principal delivered by 34 different local authorities. NFGWS Annual Delegate Contractors With the imminent introduction of domestic charges for con - Conference in Athlone on An issue arose as to whether a sumers on public mains, such consumers will inevitably group water scheme could be demand value for money and this fact alone should drive better 12 March. considered to be a principal and more efficient quality services. IW has a golden opportunity Addressing delegates on to set up comprehensive, dedicated and responsive communi - behalf of the NFGWS audi - contractor under these rules. ca tions systems with its consumers. tors, Andrew Fuller The message to delegates A similarly efficient and responsive line of communications explained that Principal was that the legislative defini - will, of course, have to be in place to address their future Contractors must implement tion of Principal Contractor relationship with publicly source group water schemes. ‘reverse charge VAT appears to include group water In his recent address to the Annual Delegate Conference, arrangements’ in respect of schemes as entities that carry NFGWS Chairperson, Brendan O’Mahony reiterated that our all construction services that on “gas, water, electricity, group schemes will not be taken over by IW (unless such are subject to Relevant hydraulic power, dock, canal schemes vote for takeover or in exceptional circumstances, Contracts Tax (RCT). or railway” undertakings. such as where a serious public health issue arises and there is Essentially, the system In this context the reverse no committee in place to deal with it). Indeed, all of the recent means that the principal charge VAT rules would water legislation passed by the Oireachtas provides for the rural contractor is liable to submit apply to the GWS sector. water sector to continue to operate independently, supervised the VAT amount, as well as continued on page 9 by and funded through the local authorities as heretofore. The GWS sector has 10 times greater lengths of watermains per consumer connection to operate/maintain when compared with Water Well Drilling the public mains now operated by IW. The flip side is obviously Water Quality Improvements at Source that the rural water sector has 10 times fewer cus - tomers/members on which to levy charges. The NFGWS One of the most important tasks for any group water expects such factors to be taken into account in any review of scheme is to consider the performance of your funding requirements for the rural GWS sector. groundwater source in terms of quality and quantity. We believe that rural communities will support their local • Low-cost trial drilling can establish water supply group schemes in this era of change and would urge GWS and water quality prior to developing production boards/committees to do all in their power to encourage a large well/treatment system specification. attendance at AGMs and to encourage members to play an • Cement-sealed wells prevent shallow surface-water active role in the praiseworthy task of securing the future of entering a supply, reducing the risk of contamination. their own local group water scheme. • An inert uPVC casing/ screen or stainless steel Rural Water News is published by the National Federation screen with gravel pack of Group Water Schemes. For further information, go to between screen section www.nfgws.ie or contact one of our offices: Monaghan and open hole helps pre - (00-353-47-72766); Kiltimagh (00-353-94-9381802); vent the ingress of silt/ Tuam (00-353-93-28712; Tullamore (00-353-57-9328068) . sand into a water supply . Disclaimer Contact the experienced pro - While every care has been taken to ensure that the information fessionals contained in this publication is up to date and correct, no Patrick Briody & Sons Ltd responsibility will be taken by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes for any error that might occur. Briody Aquadrill Services While we are grateful for the support of our advertisers, The Grove readers should note that inclusion of an advertisement does not Rathangan, Co. Kildare imply any form of recommendation. Tel. 045-524360 or 087-2589313 We try to ensure the reliability of advertisers, but Rural Fax 045-524785 Water News cannot accept liability for the quality of goods and Web: www.briodydrilling.com services offered.

3 Rural Water News Spring 2014

Continued from page 1 Q&A issues [as outlined in the • The status quo regarding Welcoming the GWS repre - The formal presentation was submission below] were water charges to these sentatives to the focus group followed by a question and considered ‘absolutely criti - schemes should be left in (pictured below), Mr Brady answer session, during which cal and in need of immediate place for the full 2014 year. gave a presentation on several a wide range of issues were attention’. • The “daisy chain” GWS pertinent issues, including the discussed. Issues system was discussed. It results of an NFGWS survey The consensus of partici - Amongst other important was suggested that perhaps in relation to operational pants was that all of the issues and concerns dis - the most efficient way for issues for publicly sourced issues and concerns outlined cussed were the following: these schemes to survive group schemes, such as length in an earlier NFGWS sub - • The need for early informa - would be through amalga - of network and costs. mission on the issue of pub - tion on Irish Water charging mation. Some incentive He said that summary data licly sourced schemes repre - policies and levels. Publicly should be built into overall from this survey indicates sent real and genuine con - sourced GWSs need to plan policy to encourage this. that schemes incur substantial cerns for the sector. now and set their own • IW is sometimes supplied operational and maintenance While none of the issues charging levels for 2014. It with its own water through costs on the safe delivery of identified are of lesser is difficult to do this with publicly sourced GWSs water from a connecting bulk importance than others, it the uncertainty around pro - and there are also instances meter to their members’ taps. became apparent that three posed IW charges. of shared infrastructure. Key issues highlighted in NFGWS submission 1. The operating costs conduit and their supervisory an immediate and urgent ensure efficient take-overs incurred on safe delivery of authority. need to develop definite poli - when the need arises. water from the connecting This relationship is now cies and procedures around (This particular issue has bulk meter to the GWS divided between the LA and this important element of also been raised as being rel - member must be recognised Irish Water. These relation - drinking water services pro - evant to the privately and catered for in a straight - ships, and their many ele - vision. There is a clear need sourced GWS sec tor). forward and sustainable ments and interactions, need to outline in detail the roles The submission concluded manner. to be clearly defined and doc - and responsibilities of the by reiterating the urgent need 2. Publicly sourced GWS, up umented without delay. various entities (DECLG, for the above three issues to until 1 January 2014, had a 3. Legislation continues to LA, HSE, EPA, IW, GWS, get immediate consideration relationship with their Local provide for the “Taking in NFGWS) regarding this as part of the Water Sector Authority which was their Charge” of group water function and how they Reform Programme imple - water supplier, their funding schemes. However there is should interact in order to mentation process .’

4 Rural Water News Spring 2014

• Concern that IW could position to respond quickly “force” GWSs into a take- and efficiently to local issues over situation by increas - and incidents as they occur ing water charges to an and that the local involvement AquaChem Ltd unmanageable level. The – and the employment provid - GWSs’ rights as customers ed – contribute to community of IW need to be protected. pride and encourage an addi - • The potential for schemes tional respect for the service coming together and using from members. their “bulk buying power” A number of considerations to negotiate considerably were put forward as being • Ireland’s largest independent water treatment more favourable terms essential if local communities company with IW. and GWS organisers are to • Consensus continue managing and main - Looking after the needs of over 300 The general consensus of the taining their water supply customers countrywide meeting was that there is a service including; • Exclusive Irish Distributor for Sanosil Range real and continuing role for 1. The GWS must be in a posi - of Water and Surface Disinfectants publicly sourced, community - tion to provide a very com - • run group water schemes, as petitive (including cheaper) Compact Dry Test kits for E.coli and other they provide a vital resource service to its members. bacteria tests to many rural communities 2. GWS organisers must not • Dosing, Control and Monitoring Systems – and need to be supported and become mere “water encouraged to continue pro - charge collection agents” supplied and installed viding that service. for Irish Water. AquaChem Ltd The local community con - Thanks Unit 9 Dunboyne Business Park cept of the GWS has worked Concluding the meeting, Mr well and there is no reason Brady thanked the GWS per - Dunboyne, County Meath that this shouldn’t continue. sonnel for attending and for Telephone 01-8252775 The general feeling was their valuable input. He Email: [email protected] that, with a little support, the advised that further meetings Website: www.aquachem.ie local GWS will be in a better may take place as necessary.

5 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Annual Delegate Conference defence of operational subsidy a pri ori ty Mounting concerns over the implications of the water reform programme for the GWS sector, attracted one of the largest attendances ever to the Annual Delegate Conference which was held in Athlone on 12 March. While the scheduled guest speaker, Environment Minister of State Fergus O’Dowd, TD, was unable to attend, the 93 delegates (77 voting delegates) from 18 counties present approved 41 motions, all of which have since been for - warded to the Minister’s Department. Amongst these, a priority Above: A section of the larger issue for group schemes is the than usual attendance at the ADC. defence of subvention entitle - Right: Andrew Fuller presented ments (including subsidy and the annual audited accounts and also provided an interesting pres - capital grant supports). entation on the rules for payment Indeed, this issue accounted of VAT in respect of sub-contrac - for more than half of all tors on construction projects (see motions submitted by county page 3). federations. tional subsidy were expressed Cork Federation called on in a motion from Kildare and the NFGWS to ‘actively can - Wicklow Federation, asking vas’ the DECLG ‘to ensure ‘that the considerable financial that GWS operational subsi - pressures many smaller group dies are maintained at current water schemes experience, levels at a minimum’. due to the smaller membership Cavan Federation linked over which to spread costs and payment of such subsidies to their consequently very high the future sustainability of the water charges, are taken into Louth Federation argued that ties of Group Water Scheme sector, arguing that it is neces - account in any future review capital support is required networks is fully compliant sary ‘to ensure that top quality of funding arrangements for towards ‘the improvement & with various parameters’. drinking water standards are the sector’. necessary expansion’ of GWS A further motion from the maintained’. Capital infrastructure’. same Federation reflected For Mayo and Sligo Motions from Clare and A motion from frustration that ‘three GWSs Federations, this is a key issue Galway linked the issues of Roscommon, made the case in Limerick have unsuccess - for group water schemes in operational subsidies and cap - for capital supports towards fully applied for funding for DBO projects, as they had ital grants under the Rural ‘refurbishment (including the essential upgrading works Water Programme, while no replacement of saddles, joints with estimated costs of in agreed long-term arrange - € ments ‘on the understanding fewer than 10 motions dealt etc.) of Group Water Scheme excess of 300,000 each year and in the expectation that specifically with capital sup - distribution mains where full for the last 3-4 years’. subsidy for DBO Operational ports for GWS infrastructural replacement is not necessary’. Similarly, a Mayo motion and Maintenance contracts projects. Limerick Federation called served to remind delegates would continue for the life - For Tipperary and Kilkenny for capital support for ‘addi - that the removal of CLÁR time of the contracts’. Federations, such supports tional in-line continuous moni - funding has prevented the con - The concerns of small need to ‘remain in place indef - toring equipment to ensure that struction of schemes depend - schemes in relation to opera - initely at current levels’, while water quality on the extremi - ing on such grant support.

6 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Reform administration “downstream” Motions from Galway, Laois of the bulk meter are given and Monaghan Federations due consideration’, was addressed the future of the echoed in the Mayo motion relationship between the GWS and in a Leitrim motion. sector and local authorities in Fracking the age of water reform, the Three motions – from Clare, Laois motion calling on the Leitrim and Roscommon – NFGWS to ensure that the were passed in relation to the DECLG ‘provides for ade - controversial process of frac - quate staffing levels within turing for shale gas, all calling Local Authorities for the pur - on the NFGWS to monitor poses of satisfactorily admin - developments in this area and istering the Rural Water to ensure that the interests of Programme and associated group schemes are defended. support services for the GWS The Roscommon motion sector’. specifically requested the Six Federations submitted NFGWS to ensure that ‘due motions highlighting the par - consideration is given to GWS ticular concerns of the pub - source zone of contribution/ licly sourced GWS sector, catchment reports by any with Mayo Federation arguing organisation (consultants, that their ‘unique position ... is companies, research teams acknowledged and catered for etc.) involved in environmen - as part of the overall Water tal impact assessments and Sector Reform implementa - site suitability assessments tion strategy’. associated with proposals to Top: NFGWS development officer, Barry Deane (left), with Tipperary and A Cavan motion demanding extract shale gas using Mayo GWS personnel at the ADC. that ‘the additional costs asso - hydraulic fracturing’. Bottom: Galway delegates to the ADC pictured with NFGWS development ciated with maintenance and continued on page 8 staff, Karen Carney (3rd from left) and Catríona Greaney (left). Billing – Streamlined Ê U Custom built for Irish Water Schemes Ê U Bill your customers and track their payments Ê U Early payment, direct debit and other discounts supported Ê U Unlimited payments, readings and invoices Ê U Map your meters and other network infrastructure Ê U Easily text or email any group of your customers Ê U Supports reading of meters using smart phones

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7 Rural Water News Spring 2014 continued from page 7 lands and a Limerick motion for the appointment of an Securing group rates for Miscellaneous expressing concerns about a NFGWS Health & Safety insurance and laboratory A Clare motion seeking pow - proposed mining project Advisor, while Carlow/ costs was proposed by ers – equal to those given to were amongst seven topics Wexford Federation urged Tipperary and Louth respec - Irish Water – for group addressed under the miscella - the appointment of additional tively, while Cork Federation schemes dealing with neous heading. staff to promote our ‘excel - suggested a reduction in pipelines through private Donegal Federation called lent’ educational curriculum. ICOS affiliation fees.

ADC delegates supported an expansion of the NFGWS Board to 13 members. Three of these – Hugh O’Reilly (Monaghan), Michael Keaveney (Leitrim) and Aidan McNabola (Galway) – join the Board for the first time, following the decision by Michael John Kilgannon (Galway) and Mac Boyd (Monaghan) to stand down after long years of service to the Federation.

Pictures from the NFGWS Annual Delegate Conference

8 Rural Water News Spring 2014

continued from page 3 DECLG. On the basis of this Representations communication Mr Brady NFGWS National Co-ordina - advised: South Eastern tor, Colm Brady explained ‘Group schemes hiring con - that representations – includ - tractors for construction ing to Government at the high - works as defined in the legis - Chemicals Ltd est levels – over several years lation (including leak repairs) had failed to get clarification should register with Revenue SUPPLIERS OF WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS on this point and the issue and implement the Reverse remained unclear until now. Charge VAT system.’ On the day of the ADC a GWSs were advised to con - communication was received sult their own financial advi - from the Office of the sor for assistance in imple - Minister of Finance via the menting the measure. OUR SERVICES

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9 Rural Water News Spring 2014 with by a consultant hydroge - ologist as one large ZOC Ambitious programme of ZOC delineation project, similar to that completed last year in Kilkenny’s Nuenna Valley. delineation work for 2014 Federated Source data sheets, includ - The complex (karst) nature Data has been collated in Given the scale of staff ing co-ordinates, as well as of source catchments in some respect of some 60 GWS resources required to advance groundwater sources that photographs and historic areas was discussed at a joint ZOC projects, the NFGWS are scheduled to have Zone water quality results have been NFGWS/GSI meeting, as was Board has agreed that only of Contribution (ZOC) collated by NFGWS staff for the limitation posed by the schemes federated in 2013 delineation studies complet - spring and borehole sources available funding in evaluat - will be assisted this year. ed in 2014, while catchment across Carlow, Galway, Laois, ing such sources individually. The value of this project was evaluation work has already Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, The GSI agreed to consider underlined at recent meetings begun on a further 18 GWS Roscommon, Wexford and grouping some such schemes, in Kilkenny, Offaly and surface water supplies . Wicklow. so that they might be dealt Tipperary when the hydroge - ologists who completed the work joined GSI and NFGWS staff in presenting their find - ings to GWS representatives. The remainder of the 44 reports completed thus far will be presented to schemes in North Tipperary and Limerick in April. Meanwhile, evaluations of surface waters in Cavan and Monaghan are well advanced and work is expected to be completed in the coming NFGWS development officer, Barry Deane, addressing GWS representatives from the Nuenna Valley (Kilkenny) months on lake sources in at the presentation of ZOC delineation reports by hydrogeologists Coran Kelly, Jenny Deakin and GSI staff. Clare and Mayo. potential sources for VTEC lot of interest amongst audi - contam ination of groundwater ence members, including EPA Presentation of sources and the importance and Marine Institute represen - of source protection. tatives and researchers working ENVIRON 2014 on groundwater vulnerability. VTEC study results Results of this study were also The ARME group is actively An information evening Following the presentation, presented at the 24th Irish investigating funding opportu - was held on February 3 at the GWS representatives Environmental Researchers’ nities with a view to develop - National University of present gave their thoughts Colloquium (ENVIRON ing the technology further and Ireland, Galway to present on the findings of the study, 2014) , held in Trinity College expanding their screening of the results of a pilot study opening up a discussion Dublin from 26-28 February. raw and treated waters for conducted last autumn into around treatment methods, The presentation generated a VTEC contamination.’ detection of verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) at group water schemes (GWS) in the East Galway area. The Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology (ARME) Group at the School of Medicine NUI Galway revealed that the study had ‘consistently detected VTEC in source waters from participating supplies’. The study also found that disinfection measures applied by individual schemes were Several participating group schemes were represented at the presentation by the ARME Group of findings from successful in removing VTEC. the VTEC study. Also present were NFGWS staff members and the veterinary officer for Galway Co. Council.

10 Rural Water News Spring 2014

Objective The overall objective of this New study probes NOM and project is to quantify accu - rately the risk posed by NOM and Pta. Pta risk to water supplies High risk surface drinking An EPA-funded study has of carcinogen tri- be more aggressive in the water supply catchments been established to quantify halomethanes (THMs) and years ahead. will be identified, with the risk posed to surface and increases the exhaustion and However, there is no NOM and Pta monitoring groundwater supplies in usage rate of coagulant and national Pta and bracken dis - being conducted in selected catchments. Ireland by natural organic disinfectant dosages. tribution data available for The 30 months research matter (NOM) and by In recent years, successive water managers on which to ptaquiloside (Pta) which is EPA reports have shown that form decisions surrounding project is scheduled to be released from bracken. an unacceptably high number the management of drinking completed by September Key partners in this project of drinking water supplies water resources. 2016. include TCD, NUIG, the exceeded the parametric NFGWS and the Department value of 100 µg/litre for of Food, Environment and THMs, while many more Rural Affairs in Britain. recorded Total Organic Several group water Carbon levels above 2 mg/l, schemes in the West of suggesting a risk of THM Ireland will be included in formation. the study. Bracken Natural Organic Matter There is increased awareness NOM is one of the main and concern also surrounding sources of environmental the risk posed to our drinking pollution to surface drinking waters by naturally occurring water supplies. toxins such as ptaquiloside It contributes to the fouling (Pta) released from bracken. of membranes, serves as a It is expected that the inva - precursor for the formation sion of bracken in Ireland will Bracken releases a toxin that poses a risk to drinking water supplies.

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11 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Environmental Enforcement Commenting on evidence said: of poor plant performance at “Ireland has made progress many waste water treatment Raw sewage & in the last decade in treating facilities, David Flynn of the wastewater by investing in Office of Environmental waste water infrastructure. Enforcement said: the environment Despite this investment, “The causes of one in three sewage from 42 towns and sewage plant incidents report - – EPA report villages discharges untreated ed to the EPA can be attrib - Seven years after the environment from as many as into our rivers and coastal uted to inadequate manage - Galway Cryptosporidium 42 urban areas, while 44 waters, putting the environ - ment practices by operators. outbreak of 2007, sewage large urban areas did not ment and people’s health “Solving these management from many municipal comply with EU quality stan - under threat. This practice issues is not just about invest - wastewater treatment plants dards . needs to be eliminated.” ment and building new plants continues to pose a risk to Data from the EPA’s F ocus Infrastructure – it requires better manage - environmental and human on Urban Waste Water 2012 , Seven larger urban areas did ment of the technology in health. shows that significant not comply with the 1991 EU place. An EPA report released on improvement is needed in the Directive requirement to pro - “Consolidation of water serv - 13 March reveals that while infrastructure and manage - vide secondary treatment for ice management in Irish Water 94% of Ireland’s urban waste ment of waste water from waste water (secondary treat - now presents an opportunity to water now gets secondary Ireland’s towns and villages. ment is the minimum treat - deliver consistency and better treatment, untreated sewage Gerard O’Leary, Director ment level that is required for practice in the operation of is discharged into the aquatic of the EPA’s Office of these areas). these strategic assets.” Best water quality results in over a Wetlands resource for decade on impacted Monaghan river Good news on the water - upstream of Monaghan town’. ‘Monaghan County Council schools The EPA has launched front, as the EPA’s 2013 This is particularly good has dedicated significant monitoring programme has news for Glaslough/ resources over recent years ‘Exploring Irish Wetland shown a very significant Tyholland GWS, as a millrace in measures to protect water - Habitats’, a new teaching water quality improvement from the Mountain Water is ways. One such measure has resource to support Post in the Blackwater River in the main feeder stream to their been working with the agri - Primary schools in subjects North Monaghan. Emy Lough source. cultural community to raise such as rivers and lakes, Environmental Scientist Investments awareness and eliminate pol - turloughs, bogs and fens. with Monaghan County According to Ms O’Flaherty, luting discharges. Speaking at the launch, Council, Bernie O’Flaherty, the improvement in water ‘Monitoring has shown a Tadhg O’Mahony, Senior welcomed ‘the best water quality is largely attributed to steady decline in river phos - Scientific Officer, EPA said: quality results in over a ‘significant investments’ in phate levels. While phos - ‘Rich in biodiversity, wetland decade in a 10 km stretch of farm buildings, reduced fer - phate is a valuable fertiliser habitats provide a wide range the Mountain Water river tiliser use and better manage - on land it is very damaging in of benefits and services. upstream of Emyvale village ment of animal manures and waterways.’ ‘Wetlands have an important and in a 20 km stretch of the effluents by the farming com - Investigations role to play in flood relief, River Blackwater catchment munity. She adds: Pollution investigations by the landscape, regulation of the Council’s Environmental water cycle and the provision Section have revealed a range of water for drinking supplies, of issues to be resolved: agriculture, industry, recre - dumping of organic materials, ation, transport and fishing. ’ neglected waste water treat - While progress in the ment systems, excess siltation Blackwater catchment shows from river bank erosion and what can be achieved, she drainage and misuse of drains. cautions: Ms O’Flaherty says that ‘Reversing the decline in while large point sources of water quality that has pollution have generally been occurred over the last 40 eliminated, ‘the multitude of years and meeting European small point and diffuse targets will take considerable Bernie O’Flaherty was one of several County Monaghan-based partici - pants at a recent training course hosted by the University of Ulster on sources are still affecting efforts over the coming citizen engagement in the protection of the aquatic environment. many of our waterways’ . years.’

12 Rural Water News Spring 2014

counter-argument – that such claims have yet to be scientifi - cally proven and that there is an established benefit in terms of reducing cavities in teeth – is probably on a hiding to nothing. On the An end to compulsory water fluoridation in the not too distant future will come as no surprise. *** Local Authorities wondering what to do in relation to leakage water frby Borian nMacDt onald on publicly sourced group schemes where no active commit - A recent visit to The Heath GWS in County Laois provided tee is in place might well refer to what Irish Water had to say further evidence of the benefits of a well-managed distribu - on that very issue when the question was put to them by Laois tion network. Board member, Louis Troy was telling me that County Council. Irish Water pointed out that the council a few years ago this 320-house scheme was pumping upwards ‘should arrange for the repair of any leaks/bursts in any pub - of 600m 3 each day. The electricity bill in 2011 totalled lic group water scheme where there is no active committee in € 10,500. Universal metering was completed by 2012. Since place and the size of the leak/burst is a direct threat to securi - then daily abstraction from their spring source has dropped to ty of supply or water quality for existing public sup - € less than 300m 3 per day, the electricity bill fell to 4,000 for plies/consumers downstream of the leak’. the year and chlorine usage was halved. It’s hard to argue The advice added that ‘the cost of these repairs should be ring- with those figures. fenced and charged against the appropriate network mainte - *** nance code/water conservation code and recouped through The debate over fluoridation of public drinking water sup - the SLA [service level agreement] in the normal manner’. plies is back in the news, with the recent announcement by Where there is an active GWS committee in place the coun - Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney that an ‘independent cil ‘should request the committee to arrange for the repair expert group’ will ‘review’ the controversial practice. works to be carried out themselves’. Any costs involving Minister Coveney’s announcement came as Cork County council staff in supervising or checking of these repair works Council followed the example of several urban councils in ‘should be charged into the appropriate code and recouped calling for an end to the practice of fluoridation. through the SLA’. The fact that a large majority of councillors voted in favour As regards takeover, the council was advised that ‘any of the motion and that it attracted cross party support is a sure future taking in charge of these schemes by Irish Water will sign that the public mood is decidedly anti-fluoridation. involve a full survey and condition assessment of the Weighed against the real (and growing) public perception that scheme and an accurate account of its domestic and non- fluoridation of drinking water has negative health effects, the domestic connections’.

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13 Rural Water News Spring 2014 NETLAKE – linking lakes and researchers across Europe There is now a growing con - developed over nearly a sensus that the best initia - decade between the NFGWS tives in the water sector are and the Centre for Freshwater those that bring together and Environmental Studies. researchers and stakeholders Automatic sensors from a range of disciplines, Until recently, monitoring of sectors and geographical lakes relied solely on water regions. samples collected at weekly Storm events, for example, gaps between scientists and The NETLAKE Cost Action or fortnightly intervals. result in large pulses in the local lake users/water man - is a collaborative network that NETLAKE participants, inflow of nutrients and sedi - agers (including drinking includes researchers, water however, have a particular ment to lakes and also cause water providers). managers, local lake groups interest in the use of automatic physical mixing of the lake Planned outputs include an and policy makers from 24 sensors on lakes, as these cap - water column. on-line database to provide European countries, with links ture data on water quality at High frequency measure - information on where these also to researchers in the USA, high frequency, relaying that ment of the local weather, sites are, what is being meas - Australia and New Zealand. data directly from the lake to water temperature, dissolved ured and how, and a tool-box Chaired by Dr Eleanor a computer. oxygen and algal fluorescence of data analysis tools and stan - Jennings, Director of the These systems provide a by these in situ stations can dard operating procedures. Centre for Freshwater and better understanding of capture both the drivers of Exchange visits (Short-Term Environmental Studies at changes that happen at short changes and the biological Scientific Missions) between Dundalk Institute of timescales, such as those that responses at the timescales participants from different Technology, NETLAKE control oxygen depletion, required to understand them. countries are also being fund - includes representation from changes in water clarity and Working groups ed to facilitate collaborative the National Federation of the occurrence of toxic algal NETLAKE is divided into research, as are Training Group Water Schemes on its blooms. four working groups which Schools for researchers and management committee. Such insights are now meet at least bi-annually: two other lake users, the first of Indeed, the initiative may be becoming more urgent given focus on the technology of which will take place at the regarded (in part) as a follow- the current increase in the fre - monitoring stations and analy - Erken Field Laboratory, on from the National Source quency and severity of sis of resulting data, while the Sweden, in June. Protection Pilot Project, and extreme weather events due remaining two groups are try - Other NETLAKE initiatives the close collaboration that has to climate change. ing to bridge communication include a Water Pals schools project – to both inform chil - dren about lakes and allow them to link to schoolchildren in other NETLAKE countries – and a citizen recorder project that will harness local citizens to record supplementary data from NETLAKE sites. Now in its second year, the NETLAKE COST Action will continue until the end of 2016. For more information, visit www.netlake.org COST (Collaboration in Science and Technology) has supported networking among scientists in Europe for over NETLAKE scientists, researchers and water managers met in Budapest last August as part of the COST action. Top: The sensor on Lough Feeagh near Newport, County Mayo, is deployed by staff at the Marine Institute to twenty years in all areas of build a better understanding of the dynamic processes impacting on Irish lakes (pic courtesy of Marine Institute). science.

14 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Climate Change and Group Water Schemes Perceptions, Risks and Adaptation Options In their most recent report, Climate change is considered one of the most complex nationwide strategic the Intergovernmental Panel environmental issues currently facing the global community, approach to water services on Climate Change (IPCC) being cited as ‘the most serious threat of the twenty-first policy, incorporating cli - state that it is ‘likely’ that century’, but is it a matter that should concern drinking mate change impacts. there will be increases in water suppliers? This is the question addressed by NUI • 82.2% thought that an infor - extreme high sea levels, Maynooth graduate, Niamh Carroll , who recently complet - mation course on climate droughts and intense tropical ed an in-depth study of GWS stakeholders’ perceptions of change and its relevance to cyclones, and ‘very likely’ climate change and investigated the risk climate change the water sector would be beneficial. that warm spells and heavy poses to group water schemes. • 86.3% believed that GWS precipitation events will Having grown up in the rural water sector, working for sev - members should be educat - increase. eral years with Mid-Roscommon GWS, in January 2014 ed on the issue. An increase in the frequency Niamh commenced an internship with the New York based • 52.1% stated that the cost and intensity of extreme Human Impacts Institute. involved in implementing weather-related events is dees of the NFGWS Delegate assessments regarding their adaptation strategies is pre - anticipated worldwide, with Conference in Athlone, vulnerability to climate venting them being intro - Ireland expected to experi - regarding their perceptions of change. duced. ence an increase in heat climate change and how pre - • 78% had not taken climate • 67.1% accepted that if they waves, intensified storms, pared their group scheme is change into consideration in knew more about climate droughts and severe flooding for climate change affects. any development projects change they would do more annually. The results were as follows: that occurred on their GWS to reduce its impact on the Such alterations have the • 83.6% accepted that climate in the previous year. water sector. capacity to have an adverse change is happening now. • Only 6.8% of respondents The main areas of concern effect on Irish society includ - • 69.9% were concerned conserved water through for respondents can be sum - ing Irish agriculture, health about climate change. rainwater harvesting. marised as follows: implications and accelerated • 56.2% believed that climate • 53.4% stated that their • Source protection pressures on water supplies. change needs to be dealt GWS has water storage • Excessive rainfall It has been acknowledged with as a matter of urgency. measures, including reser - • Pollution that climate is the fundamental • 28.8% considered that cur - voirs and water storage • Water shortages and driver of the hydrological rent water management tanks. drought cycle, where a change in practices undertaken in • 89% considered water • Extreme weather events either the water cycle or cli - Ireland are robust enough to charges as the most effec - • Lack of knowledge mate system would stimulate deal with the impacts of cli - tive way of conserving • Funding and ability to adapt variation in the other due to mate change. water and reducing leakage. • Deterioration of raw water their close connection. • 64.4% thought that every • 76.7% highlighted the need quality Weather events GWS should undertake for the introduction of a • Rising water levels and Both short-term and long- flooding term climate change, in addi - • Infrastructure failure tion to sporadic extreme • Water supply security weather events, will greatly Contrast affect the water sector in In stark contrast to these Ireland. findings, discussions with Identifying potential risks GWS managers in June for case-specific group water 2013 indicated a lack of schemes, and implementing concern about the issue, the adaptation measures and strategies is vital to with - view being that climate standing future climatic change will not pose any events and ensuring that a threat to them personally or consistent, good quality sup - their group scheme. ply of water is circulated. Such divergent views Are GWS stakeholders con - With climate change, severe weather events are likely to increase the highlight the importance of inci dence of sudden and serious flooding and nutrient run-off over large placing the facts about cli - cerned about climate change? parts of Ireland. Are group water schemes equipped to deal with any In March 2013, a question - resulting (and sudden) rise in turbidity and colour levels in raw water, mate change at the centre of naire was distributed to atten - as well as with the increased risk of microbiological contamination? public discourse.

15 Rural Water News Spring 2014

Projection 1.8-4.2% is anticipated, where treatment processes of climate change than those The projection of future with a decrease in summer are designed to cope with with lower storage capacity, alterations in the Irish cli - precipitation of 0.2-6.7%. agreed parametric values. as higher storage will offset mate is an important issue Synoptic weather stations In the event of a deteriora - summer droughts while also for water resource managers. along the south and east tion in parameters such as reducing the risk of winter Using the period 1961- coasts will experience sum - colour, turbidity and total flooding. 1990 as a baseline, research mer reductions of 10-16% by organic carbon (all of which Changes in winter precipi - suggests that the Irish cli - the 2020s, with 2050s pro - are likely to be especially tation may have substantial mate will get warmer, espe - jections indicating an effected by climate change) impacts for groundwater values may no longer be in recharge due to the decrease cially in summer and increase of 12% rainfall in spec with those agreed in the in the amount of water that is autumn, with the greatest winter and reductions of contract. infiltrated to storage. warming occurring in the 12% in summer. east and south. Thus care will be required In addition, alterations in Temperature increases of Adverse effects in tendering such contracts to temperature and precipitation Such changes in the Irish cli - ensure future proofing for conditions (e.g. an increased between 0.75-1.0 degree mate are capable of instigat - parametric change and this frequency of shorter, more Celsius are projected by the ing significant adverse has the potential to increase intense periods of rainfall) will 2020s, with an increase of effects on the Irish water treatment costs to the scheme. change the growing season. between 1.4-1.8 degrees supply , with a deterioration Any deterioration in raw With such increases in Celsius by the 2050s. in raw water quality being water quality for non-DBO annual temperatures, reduc - An average increase of at especially problematic given schemes will entail addition - tions in mean annual precipi - least 2 degrees Celsius per the additional treatment that al treatment costs also, par - tation, prolonged dry periods season is simulated for the will be required. ticularly where the need aris - and drought conditions pro - 2080s. This is an issue particularly es for improved filtration jected, regional water short - By the 2020s, an increase for group water schemes pre-disinfection. ages are a top-priority con - in winter precipitation of involved in DBO contracts, Impact cern throughout the country, Climate change will impact especially for those with on both surface and ground - spring and lake sources. water sources, but the impact As a consequence, we will will vary from region to experience a variation in region. agricultural practices in Simulations indicate Ireland, with increased usage decreases in stream flow, of irrigation systems in the with the greatest decreases south and east. occurring in the late summer Prolonged dry periods and and autumn months. higher temperatures, fol - Reduced levels of ground - lowed by intensive rainfall, water in all types of aquifers will increase the likelihood will have detrimental conse - and the intensity of lake strat - quences for the overall water ification and algal blooms, supply (as these feed surface while also increasing the risk waters during periods of of nutrient run-off. drought). Conversely, an increase in The availability of ground - rainfall and flooding also has water in fissured and karstic the potential to contaminate aquifers where there is a fast and pollute all types of water throughput of water could sources (as those of us who significantly decrease in live in karst regions know summer months. only too well). Groundwater sources that Adaptation flow from poorly productive A key process in alleviating aquifers will have an the potential impact of cli - increased likelihood of dry - mate change is adaptation. ing up due to reductions dur - Although they may not know ing recharge periods. it, various adaptation meas - By contrast, catchments ures and strategies have that have a higher storage already been established and capacity are considered to be implemented in group less vulnerable to the impacts schemes around Ireland! Using statistical downscaling methods, future projections of mean tem - perature change and precipitation have been generated.

16 Rural Water News Spring 2014

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Future projections of mean precipitation. TEL: 0861519972 These include the installa - in the conservation of water EMAIL: [email protected] tion of water meters, con - and leading to a more 1. No disruption to supply struction of reservoirs and dependable supply being dis - 2. No scouring reqd interconnections between tributed. tages 3. No dirt enters line advan neighbouring water supply Conclusion are 4. No angry customers networks, as well as educat - It is accepted that all water 5. No further leaks created due to waterhammer effect ing school students through resources are vulnerable to 6. Durable non degradable parts initiatives such as the All weather conditions and to cli - About Water curriculum and mate events. The water the Green Schools sources of group water Management of potential mate change on the water Programme. schemes are no exception and risks associated with climate services sector and to More needs to be done, but those who manage such variations requires considera - increase education about the water resource managers schemes have to prepare now tion of local factors that may issue. maintain that lack of educa - for the major changes in influence potential impacts If steps are not taken in the tion, finance and technology weather patterns and climate on group schemes. coming years, future genera - are the main obstacles to the that are currently underway. Failure to implement adap - tions will certainly suffer further application of climate Their capacity to adjust to a tation strategies and to ensure the consequences of our change adaptation measures. changing climate will be high - that water supplies are suffi - neglect. Greater awareness at local ly dependent on the ability of ciently robust to withstand The author sincerely level would help inform a group water schemes to intro - climate change will increase thanks all of the GWS more sophisticated and tar - duce both technological and vulnerability. These are not a board members and man - geted approach by group scientific advances into their sustainable option. agers who contributed water schemes to the adop - decision-making processes in Efforts must be made in the tion and implementation of an integrated and environmen - present day to alleviate the information to her adaptation options, assisting tally sustainable fashion. likely future impacts of cli - research.

17 Rural Water News Spring 2014 What’s new in the Water Industry (mainly as contributed by our advertisers) Lurtel Ltd cost effective way of commu - Manage our Water nication – particularly when The importance (and value) of compared to the cost of having effective communica - postage, having to call door to tions systems in place door’. between a GWS Board/ Lurtel Ltd provides excellent management and the member - start-up support and can even Above: IPL’s DataTaker log - ship cannot be overstated. provide a service to run the ging system. Right: The Kuntze This issue is addressed by system on behalf of the K-400 chlorine analyser. Manage our Water , a sim - scheme, if necessary. calibration required is very ple, easy to use customer data For more information call the infrequent. management system designed Galway office of Lurtel Ltd The K-400 also boasts very by a Galway based company, on 091 395806 or visit: low power consumption, reli - Lurtel Ltd, specifically for www.manageourwater.ie able dosing control and uses Irish group water schemes. only 30 litres/hour of water. Lurtel Ltd has been providing IPL Group IPL Group is currently com - text message and child data Kuntze K-400 bining the Kuntze K-400 management systems to Irish IPL Group has supplied with their DataTaker log - Primary Schools and group water schemes with ging systems, which incorpo - preschools for the last 5 years cost effective, efficient and rate strong SCADA features and, in response to demand, reliable dosing and monitor - and an in-built GPRS modem has adapted this system to suit ing systems for many years. that allows plants and pump the needs of the GWS sector. Their latest technology offer - houses to be viewed live via This is a cloud based, on-line ings have proved to be highly the internet. going on in your scheme system, and is available for effective in monitoring and Email and SMS alarms notify from any place at any time. any size of GWS. controlling chlorine dosing, schemes of any problems, Live and historical data Manage our Water is primari - even in the most difficult of while data stored on the graphs and readings can be ly a text messaging system applications. DataTaker can be emailed viewed with ease. that allows the GWS Board, IPL Group is the Irish distrib - automatically to the scheme’s Monitored parameters manager or caretaker to send utor for the Dr A Kuntze PC or can be viewed or down - include Chlorine, pH, bulk text messages to the brand. Kuntze is a leading loaded over the internet. Turbidity, Flows, reservoir entire scheme membership, to technology company based in The in-built web server in the level and line pressure. different routes on the scheme Dusseldorf, Germany. DataTaker means that there is Omni Instruments Limited , or to specific individuals. Their K-400 chlorine no hosting cost for data and IPL Groups’ service division, Texting allows reminders to analyser uses unique patented live interaction with the sys - offers advice, and also be sent for overdue payments, technology that guarantees tem is always possible. installs and maintains your prior notification when meters reliable and accurate opera - With applications for iPads, equipment to the highest of are being read, alerts in the tion whatever the conditions. iPhones and Android, you standards ... with no hassle. event of a disruption or emer - Impurities (e.g. iron, man - can keep track of what’s www.iplgroup.com gency, tips and advice to ganese and lime) that can be avoid leaks during very cold problematic to other analy - weather, or simply to keep the sers are no problem to the customers up to date with all Kuntze K-400, as its automat - that is taking place within the ic cleaning system utilises scheme itself. electrolysis to literally vapor - GROUP WATER SCHEME – 98% of people read text mes - ise any contaminant build up CUSTOMER DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM sages and it is a proven and on the measuring probes. System Features: very effective method of com - Unlike other systems, there • Send texts to some or all of your customers munication. are no membranes or elec - • Track communications & complaints • Record water meter & chlorine readings A GWS manager in Mayo trolyte solutions to replace, • Store customer & emergency contact info asserts that the ‘system is no moving parts that physi - • Store photos of meter locations & GPS co-ordinates great as it keeps track of all cally abrade the measuring • ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System compliant communications with the cus - electrode and, most impor - For more information visit www.manageourwater.com Call us in Galway on 091 395806 Email: [email protected] tomer and is by far the most tantly, the maintenance and

18 Rural Water News Spring 2014

      
   
   
       

*** ment works, with minor Further information for each Regional Variations to address specific exceptions, are due to be DBO bundle is discussed at raw water issues on several completed shortly. LMC meetings that take place treatment facilities in DBO *** quarterly. DBO 2 LMC meet - Reports bundle 2 are at various stages Glan Agua Ltd has received ing last met on 13 February, of development, as follows: the go ahead for a proposed while DBO bundle 1 LMC Connacht Civil works on the variations variation of UV disinfection met on 27 February. Region to Ballinabanaba and CBC facilities at Loch hÍbirte agus Since these meetings, the issue by GWS treatment plants have Leitir Mealláin GWS, of bonds has been resolved. Karen Carney, been completed in recent Barnaderg Gortbeg GWS and The next meetings are sched - Paul Connolly and Joe Gallagher weeks. Kilconieron GWS. uled for 15 May and 29 May Galway Civil construction on the vari - *** respectively. A technical report on the ation to Lydacan GWS is also addition of validated UV sys - completed and mechanical tems to treatment plants in installation is underway. Galway DBO bundle 1 has The go-ahead is still awaited been prepared by the contrac - for the proposed variation on tor, as has a report on the pro - Gallagh GWS. posed installation of ozone *** treatment in the Claran GWS With regard to the advance treatment plant to address works 8 contract (i.e. comple - ongoing THM issues. tion of earlier contracts on *** CBC, Clonbur/Cornamona, The installation of a validated Ballinakill, Barnaderg UV system on Lettergesh Gortbeg, Bullaun, Gallagh Mullaghgloss GWS was com - and Kilconieron and addition - pleted last December. This al pipelaying in CBC, system was commissioned on Menlough and Ballyaneen Joe Daly and Pat Reddington of Gurteen Cloonmore GWS at the outflow 17 February and is now up Rakerin GWS) all outstand - from their spring source. Excellent work has been done recently in cover - and running. ing snagging and reinstate - ing the spring and improving the sump and the area surrounding it.

19 Rural Water News Spring 2014 A recent 3.2km critical mains Two privately sourced group replacement on Barnaderg schemes, Carrigan GWS and Gortbeg GWS has resulted in Caherdine Caherdevane a dramatic reduction in water GWS were linked into a pub - demand on the scheme. lic water supply late in 2013. *** *** Source data sheets have been The following group schemes forwarded to the GSI in were taken in charge since respect of 20 Galway our last report: Pollagh schemes due to complete (Kilcolgan), Lisheenavalla & ZOC delineation this year. District and Curry Pollinore. Three schemes that complet - *** ed ZOC delineation in 2013 Esker GWS recently complet - received copies of their ed universal metering, reports recently . installing more than 70 *** meters. All connections were Tobberowen/Lissybroder GWS Chairperson, Seán Prendergast with Eddie At the AGM of Galway GWS manually dug, either by the Mullin and John Mullin pictured during completion of the source data sheet Federation on 10 February, owner of the property or by for the scheme’s spring source, as part of the ZOC delineation project. the chairperson Aidan GWS committee members if An engineer’s report assessing upgrades was held on 21 McNabola paid tribute to the owner was unable to do so. several possible upgrade February between the NFGWS Michael John Kilgannon on After purchasing second hand options for 3 group schemes in and Galway Co. Co. officials. his retirement after many meters and new meter boxes, the area west of Gort has been *** years of service to his local the total cost per connection completed. Tubber/Monreagh GWS is € GWS, to Galway Federation worked out at 80, including 2 of these schemes, Roo GWS awaiting planning permission and to the NFGWS. fittings and installation. and Tierneevin GWS are anx - to develop a new borehole *** A large number of leaks were ious to proceed without further source. The proposed site At the Federation ADC on 12 identified. Their repair has delay to address periodic (secured at a very reasonable March, Aidan McNabola was resulted in a significant reduc - microbiological failures. cost) is close to an historic returned as one of three new tion in the volume of water *** structure, hence the delay in NFGWS Board members. being pumped. A meeting to identify priority planning. The current source *** *** schemes requiring treatment is prone to contamination.

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20 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Leitrim: The AGM of the Leitrim Federation took place in February. Michael Keaveney Chairperson of the Federation was nominated to go forward for election to the board of the NFGWS. Much of the business of the meeting was taken up with discussions on the future of the publicly sourced GWS sector, schemes expressing concern at the lack of infor - mation to date on important issues that will have a bearing on such schemes. Pupils and teachers of Midfield NS accompanied by GWS committee members on a tour of the scheme. A large number of publicly Mayo Federation Chairperson, John Kelly, the driving force They learned about the sourced schemes in Leitrim John Gavin said that with the behind Midfield GWS, led telemetry installed to manage are understood to have establishment of Irish Water local schoolchildren and the network and ensure that applied for taking-in-charge the true value of commu nity teachers on a recent tour of quality water is delivered at before the end of 2013. owned and run water services the scheme. all times. *** will become more apparent. After visiting the excellent One of the teachers present, Following advice from their *** spring source in Kilkelly, the Susan Lavin, said that both insurance company, Sliabh Part 8 planning permission for school party proceeded to students and teachers had an Iarainn GWS is consider - the provision of a raw water Midfield reservoir site, which learned from their visit. ing removing infrastructure holding tank at Belderrig was is also the location of the She added that they ‘had not from their old source – a secured at the December scheme’s committee room realised all the effort and mountain lake. meeting of Mayo County and office, as well as a stor - work that went into the provi - The committee considered Council. This upgrade is to be age area for fixtures and fit - sion of water to the local leaving the old supply in included as part of the tings. community’. place to serve a small number Buckagh Furnace contract of farm connections, but after [see below]. Data logger GSM/GPRS requesting their insurance *** company to cover the pipe Commissioning remains to be work and old reservoir they completed on a secondary SOFREL LS were told that this wouldn’t chlorination plant at the ea and District Metering Ar be a good idea. The risk of Redhill reservoir site on the Solutions Non revenue Water cross contamination and the PBKS Group Water Scheme. possibility that a member of *** the public would access this Works to facilitate the connec - Designed for undergroundundergr use supply for potable use meant tion of Buckagh Furnace to ǩ ŽŒ •Š—‹”—’†“ˆŠ ‡‡šŽ‘™džŽ“ †“™Š““† that it could not be included Clewbay GWS had still not under their GWS policy. gone to tender at the time of ǩ ȅ  ˆ”’’š“Žˆ†™Ž”“ˆ”’ going to print. ǩ  †™Š—™ŽŒ™“Š˜˜†™Š—™ŽŒ™“ Ǭ ȥȧǭ ǩ †™™Š—ž ••”œŠ—Š‰ o Mayo *** Up t 10 years Ǭš• ™” ȠȟȠ žŠ†—˜ †š™”“”’žǭžǭ life The Federation AGM was Works are ongoing to install a battery held on 28 January. new rising main and addition - ǩ ‘š‘šŠ™””™ ˆ”’’š“Žˆ†™Ž”“ ™Ž”““ Mayo submitted two motions al scour valves on Attymass ǩǩ dž‡†˜Š‰ ‰Ž†Œ“”˜™Žˆ˜ˆ˜ to the Annual Delegate GWS. ǩ †™™Š—žȅ  ˆ†—‰ Ž“džƣŠ‘‰džƣŠ‘‰ ˆ†“ŒŠˆ Conference, one dealing with *** ǩ †˜ž †“‰‘Ž“Œ RemoteReemote metering the shortfall in funding for Fourteen Mayo schemes with Leakageakage detection new schemes following the spring sources have been abolition of Clar funding identified to take part in Networketwork diagnostic some time ago. A number of Zone of Contribution studies KeyKeeyy customers monitoringonitoringitorin proposed new schemes in during 2014, while six Mayo did not proceed even schemes with surface water though they had spent con - sources will also have delin - BallonBallon Co.Co. CarlowCarlow siderable member funds on eation work completed this Tel:Tel:+ +353353599 59 9159194159194 E-mail:E-mail: [email protected]@cheetah.ie consultants fees and ecologi - year. Web:Web: wwww.cheetah.ieww.cheetah.ie www.ls-leak-detection.comwwww.ls-leak-detection.com cal reports. ***

21 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Roscommon *** Sligo Michael Flemming Upgrading of the Corracreigh, The DBO schemes and Glan The AGM of Sligo GWS (Chairperson) said that proce - Mid Roscommon and Oran Agua recently agreed to Federation was told that the dures should be put in place to Ballintubber DBO treatment change over to the Sofrel sys - issue of arrears on payments facilitate schemes that opt for plants to cope with raw water tem of bulk meter telemetry, to the DBO contractor relat - take-over or connection to variations is progressing well. in light of concerns at every ing to the discontinuation of public mains in the new era of Most of the civil works are LMC meeting about the lack certain indices used in the Irish Water. He added that it completed, while M&E of information available from validation of payments to the was vital that clear guide- works were scheduled to start the previous system. contractor was currently lines be put in place in order this month (March) on the Cheetah Electronics has under discussion between the to facilitate such schemes. Mid Roscommon GWS plant already installed new loggers Department, the NFGWS It was noted that there are not at Lismurtagh. and the system is up and run - and the DBO contractor very many Sligo schemes left *** ning. This has resulted in a (Coffey Water). that require taking-in-charge. Clarification units, along with great improvement. pumps, dosing tanks and mix - *** ing equipment have been Pollacat GWS is currently delivered for all three completing critical mains schemes, while the floccula - replacement on its network. tion tanks are fully completed. The GWS is still waiting on A mobile Sludge Dewatering Department approval for a unit has been delivered and is variation to the treatment fully operational. This will be process and it hopes that this used between all the plants in upgrade will be included as the bundle, greatly reducing part of this year’s Rural the costs for sludge removal Water Programme. on all three schemes. *** DBO operator, Glan Agua All Roscommon schemes are will also be able to use the anxious to proceed with ZOC unit for desludging on DBO delineation work in 2014. schemes in neighbouring Site visits to collate relevant Anthony Lee (Pollacat GWS) with Seán Monaghan and Liam Clear (T. J. counties. data are now complete. O’Connor & Associates).

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22 Rural Water News Spring 2014 cussed a wide range of issues Leinster Region including future capital fund - ing and operational subsidy, by Barry Deane, Julie Brannigan & Joe Gallagher GWS charging, specific source protection works and Carlow also the establishment of Irish Carlow County Council water and potential impacts made its submission for fund - for private GWS. ing under the 2014 RWP in Following an account by Mike February. Network upgrades/ Reddy of Blackstairs GWS on water conservation works are the benefits to be gained from planned for Ballinabranna placing the All About Water GWS and St Mullins Parish curriculum in local primary Members of Ballycallan GWS committee who recently completed the NFGWS Management Training Course. GWS. schools, the meeting submit - The South Leinster DBO ted a motion to the ADC ask - by St Mullins Parish GWS will not be any schemes from Capital replacement pro - ing the NFGWS to consider and by group schemes across Kilkenny taking part in this gramme also commences for how this educational resource the country. work during 2014. However, these schemes in 2014. might be further promoted. it is hoped that a number can *** *** Kildare be completed in 2015. In the Ballyellen GWS hopes to join St Mullins Parish GWS Kildare and Wicklow meantime schemes should with Ballinabranna and St recently featured in an inter - Federation of GWS met in now begin gathering data on Mullins Parish in availing of view by Valerie Cox for a February, with only 4 out of their sources, including bore - the grant for specific source piece on RTE Radio One’s 13 group schemes represented. hole logs (if available), raw protection works – i.e. Zone of ‘Sean O’Rourke Show’. Chairperson Pat Martin water results and any poten - Contribution (ZOC) delin - The programme was keen to expressed his disappointment tially relevant information on eation. establish how the GWS oper - with the turnout. While there local topography, such as the The NFGWS is currently ates and the challenges it were a number of genuine presence of sinkholes. working with all three faces, particularly since the apologies, he felt that schemes *** schemes, gathering relevant establishment of Irish Water. should make more of an effort Kilkenny GWS Federation information in advance of a The item featured contribu - to support Kildare & Wicklow held its AGM on 6 February. hydrogeological study. tions from founder member FGWS. The meeting was very well The NFGWS is also working and current Chairperson Pat The meeting discussed the attended with 30 GWS per - with T. J. O’Connor & Ryan, Treasurer Pat Cleere, various challenges faced by sonnel present, representing Associates, compiling bore - Secretary Larry Wickham small schemes in relation to 19 schemes. hole logs and pump test data in and committee member, John funding and the disadvantages Following the development respect of the Ballinabranna Doyle. of having a smaller base of officer’s report, there was a and St. Mullins Parish raw Scheme manager, Patricia member to pay for capital and lengthy discussion about Irish water sources. Lawlor and other GWS staff operational works. A motion Water. The unsatisfactory *** also featured, as did two on this issue, proposed by Syl position of publicly sourced Carlow & Wexford FGWS members of the scheme who McEvoy (Ballingate GWS) GWS in the county was raised, held its AGM in Kildavin, on have businesses locally. and seconded by John with Lacken Rathmoyle GWS 17 February, with 5 of the 8 The piece was a resounding O’Keeffe (Askinagap GWS) agreeing to send a representa - schemes across both counties success, portraying the was submitted to the ADC. tive to the then proposed focus represented. The meeting dis - excellent work being done group on the issue being set up Kilkenny by the NFGWS. Ballycallan GWS recently A number of questions were completed the revised raised in relation to fire NFGWS Management hydrants and what exactly the Training Course. Members of fire service in Kilkenny want the new committee appointed schemes to provide. last year decided to take part Barry Deane of the NFGWS in the course as a way of explained that the survey familiarising themselves with sheets for fire hydrants sent best practice in relation to to all GWS by Kilkenny managing a GWS. County Council should be *** completed and returned as Following the completion soon as possible. during 2013 of Zone of Schemes needing further Contribution delineation assistance were asked to con - RTE journalist, Valerie Cox, with committee members and staff of St reports in respect of 8 tact the NFGWS or Kilkenny Mullins Parish GWS. schemes in the county, there County Council.

23 Rural Water News Spring 2014 roads section for very large The scheme recently installed refundable deposits which consumer meters on all con - schemes simply could not nections and has also invested afford. Thankfully the Water in an Automatic Meter services section stepped in Reading system which should and the schemes only had to be up and running shortly. pay the normal rates eventu - The scheme used the ally. A delegation was nomi - NFGWS financial planner to nated to meet with the Laois assist them in setting their Co. Co. Director of Services proposed new charges. on the matter along with the *** NFGWS. The NFGWS has gathered *** data from the 5 Laois schemes Relaxing with a cup of tea after the Laois Federation AGM. Errill GWS is looking at that will complete Zone of *** Laois revising their charging sys - Contribution delineation work The Capital Replacement Laois Federation of GWS met tem to one based on usage. on their sources this year. Programme is due to com - on 21 January, with represen - mence this year on 3 of the tatives from 9 group schemes Kilkenny schemes in the in attendance. The meeting South Leinster DBO bundle. discussed a wide range of top - *** ics including the thorny issue Joe Mernagh has been of road opening licences. This appointed as GWS engineer issue had been discussed in with Kilkenny Co. Co., taking depth at previous meeting but over from Alan Hyland. The unfortunately after a meeting GWS sector sincerely thanks with Laois Co. Co. last year at Alan for his hard work over which the concerns of the the last few years and we wish GWS sector had been voiced, him all the best for the future. nothing had changed. GWS We also welcome Joe to his gave examples of initial Michael Robinson at the Barrowhouse GWS treatment plant. Strict new position. requests by Laois Co. Co. Q&A procedures are followed in the management of the facility

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24 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Source data sheets and other information in respect of the group schemes involved – Ballacolla, Barrowhouse, The Heath, Donaghmore and Errill – have been forwarded to the Geological Survey of Ireland and a suitably quali - fied hydrogeologist is expect - ed to be appointed in April.

Capital replacement works are due to be completed this year on the Donaghmore and Ballypickas DBO treatment plants, as both schemes are David Mullaniff (IPL Group) with Lorcan O’Rourke, Emma Kirwan, Gavin Mooney & teacher Elaine Howlin of now entering year 6 of their Tullamore College, marking the school’s success in achieving a special award at the prestigious Young Scientists Exhibition for designing a water leak detection system for home-owners. IPL sponsored the the equipment used in O&M contracts. the project (having been approached by Lorcan O’Rourke who lives on the Killeigh Group Water Scheme). The system operates by linking a minimum of 2 meters that compare readings on a regular basis. In the event of a Longford major difference being detected between the 2 meters readings, the system either shuts down or sends an alarm to Clonmore Kilmore GWS has the home owner. The entry attracted huge interest, including offers from investors to buy into it! identified a number of works County secretary Derek to install pressure reducing high quality raw water supply. that need to be completed at Flynn gave a report on devel - valves and build a storage The GWS hopes to construct their pumphouse. The com - opments in 2013, during unit at its reservoir. a reservoir this year after a mittee has received quotes for which Louth schemes contin - *** delay in planning meant that these works and has applied ued to work closely with the After major upgrades in 2013, the drawdown of funding was for funding under the RWP. county council in progressing Grangebellew GWS will be missed last year. *** upgrade projects. installing a soft start motor in Planning is now finalised and Both Clonmore Kilmore *** the coming weeks to help the committee is anxious to GWS and Fostra GWS plan Work is ongoing on the reduce pumping costs. proceed as soon as possible, as to take part in the ZOC delin - installation of scour valves The scheme has employed the they need to secure their stor - eation study with the GSI this on Tullyallen GWS. services of an accountant to age facilities from vandalism. year. *** look after book-keeping etc. *** Sheepgrange GWS is in the Group schemes in Offaly Louth process of investigating Meath recently came together in the Louth Federation AGM was options for water conversa - Work is expected to begin office of Ballinagar GWS to held on 27 January in tion at the treatment plant. shortly in installing bulk have their handheld Chlorine Drogheda, attended by 8 rep - *** meters on the Kiltale GWS monitoring units calibrated. resentatives from 4 group Ballymackenny Sandpit network. This was a more cost efficient water schemes. GWS will begin work shortly *** option than calibrating the After field tests of the Meath units individually. Hill GWS meter reading *** technology proved successful Hydrogeologists Robbie on over ground reading, Meehan & Suzanne Tynan underground reading is still were joined by staff of the being investigated. GSI and NFGWS to present Further testing as part of the Zone of Contribution (ZOC) WIMBEX pilot project will delineation reports completed be completed during this last year in respect of several year. Offaly schemes, including A universal meter installation Ballykilleen GWS, Boher project is nearing completion Leamonaghan GWS, throughout the scheme. Cadamstown GWS, Killeigh GWS, Tubber GWS and Offaly Esker GWS, as well as Tubber GWS recently devel - Moyglass GWS from County oped a new borehole within Galway. All of these schemes the site of their existing were represented at the infor - source. This will give them mation session and a Q&A Liam Murphy and Tommy Nevin of Clonmore Kilmore GWS. the security of a continuous session proved very valuable.

25 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Westmeath Multyfarnham GWS has begun improvement works at their chlorine facilities in order to improve residual readings on the network and to ensure a more consistent dosing rate. The committee has plans for several upgrades in 2014 and has recently completed a new Health & Safety statement for the scheme.

Wexford All 5 privately sourced GWS in Wexford will have ZOC Members of Cornagower GWS who attended their scheme’s AGM recently. delineation of their sources *** GWS, which supplies 30 *** completed this year. Each Following a major upgrade members . Implementation of improved scheme has applied for the last year, Knockina GWS has Regular monitoring of the Quality Assurance procedures funding and, with NFGWS completely cleared its site of sources, treatment system and are planned on Askinagap assistance, has completed the overgrowth and has erected distribution network are car - GWS following a recent gathering of relevant data. security fencing. The scheme ried out by the committee review with NFGWS devel - *** now has a pH correction members, including treasurer opment officer, Barry Deane. Kilanerin GWS committee facility and has installed Declan O’Connor. *** has been using the NFGWS meters on all connections. *** Cornagower GWS held its financial planner to assist Ballyfolan GWS recently AGM in March. The scheme them in striking a fair water Wicklow formed a co-operative struc - will work with the NFGWS charge that will cover costs A Quality Assurance site visit ture, following a unanimous over the coming months to and help them build a reserve recently took place on vote of the members at an improve QA implementation. fund for future upgrades. Blakestown Brittonstown SGM in February. continued on page 27

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26 Rural Water News Spring 2014 Munster Region by Joe Gallagher & Barry Deane Clare There was a good attendance at the county Federation AGM, as many publicly sourced group schemes were anxious to know what impact Irish Water will have on their future. 3 motions were put forward by the meeting to the ADC in relation to pipelines in pri - vate property, fracking and funding for the sector . Above: Some of those who attend - *** ed Cork GWS Federation AGM. Work will proceed in the Right: John O'Brien & Paddy coming months on items due Leahy of Kilcredan GWS who were at the AGM. for replacement in DBO plants under the Capital completed upgrading works Replacement Programme. A and are now ready for taking- meeting was held between in-charge. the group schemes, the DBO *** Contractor (EPS Ltd), the Cloonfada GWS completed a Client’s Rep, the NFGWS leak detection survey on its and Clare County Council to network recently and record - finalise the programme and ed high night time flows of the Client’s Rep has complet - over 14 m 3/hour. The scheme Council to fast-track the tak - Limerick ed preliminary visits to the has applied for upgrading ing-in-charge of the Ballyglass The Federation AGM was plants to ascertain the works works to resolve this issue . scheme which had been expe - very well attended. Amongst that need to be completed . riencing serious quality issues the motions submitted to the *** Cork for some time. NFGWS ADC was one in Ranaghan GWS is hoping The GWS Federation AGM The scheme applied for tak - relation to an ongoing mining that the boil water notice cur - on 20 February was attended ing-in-charge in 2006, but project in the Pallas Green rently in place on their supply by 13 representatives from 10 numerous delays and compli - area and another in relation to will be lifted soon. The GWS schemes. cations had arisen since then. securing funding for water has had a number of clear Amongst topics discussed At the recent meeting, the sampling technologies on results, but changes in the were the delays some council agreed to immediately GWS networks. lake source water quality schemes continue to experi - take over the operation of the *** after heavy rainfall have ence in relation to payments GWS in advance of full Limerick DBO bundle held prompted caution on the part being received from the takeover, which will hopefully its first LMC of 2014 in the of the authorities. County Council. be completed in a few Kilfinny GWS area. *** *** months time. DBO service provider, EPS Corbally Danganbrack GWS, A meeting was recently held *** Ltd, described conditions Spancil Hill GWS & involving Ballyglass GWS, Curraglass GWS secured since the start of the year as Castlecrine GWS have all the NFGWS and Cork Co. ownership of a new site for a ‘very challenging’, with continued from page 26 scheme is completed, Tinode reservoir in 2013 but were not severe weather events causing *** GWS is hopeful that it is next granted full planning permis - outages and disruption to Ballingate GWS recently met in line to be connected to the sion until January this year. many supplies. with the NFGWS to consider public main. This, along with other delays, Nitrate levels had increased introducing a new charging Wicklow Co. Co. hopes to meant the scheme was unable on a number of GWSs. system based on the survey the scheme this year to to carry out any construction As the capital replacement of Federation’s financial planner. see what works will be works last year. The scheme plant is due to commence this *** involved and also to ensure has re-applied for funding this year, schemes were provided Now that the pipe work con - that the public supply has the year and is hoping to com - with an update on the necting Hempstown GWS to capacity to supply the addi - mence works as soon as the progress to date. the Blessington Regional tional connections. funding is allocated. *** 27 Rural Water News Spring 2014

Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co Tipperary Email [email protected] | Fax 056-8834362 Campion Mechanical & Electrical Engineering have over 22 years experience with Group Water Scheme Works Our Complete turnkey solution includes: Drilling of well • Pump supply and installation • Replacing meters on non dometic connections on Lough Gur GWS. Pumphouse supply and installation • Full scada system (including alarming and reporting) Lough Gur GWS is replacing The consultants have assured • Turbidity meters meters on non domestic con - Caherline Newtown that they • Chlorine and PH analysers nections and intends installing will not go within 300m of • Service and maintenance • telemetry to facilitate more their sources. Operate and maintenance • frequent reading of all farm *** Operate and maintenance contracts • DBO options and alternatives connections. Limerick Co. Council • *** recently lifted boil water There was sad news from notices on Knockainey GWS Lough Gur too, with the pass - and Clovers GWS, as well as ing of Kevin Doody. His a precautionary boil water untimely death left his GWS notice on Cappagh GWS. colleagues and the entire area in shock. Tipperary Well known within the group Zone of Contribution (ZOC) water sector in Limerick and delineation on 14 Tipperary FOR ALL GWS NEEDS nationally, Kevin’s vast GWS is almost complete. knowledge of computer tech - The appointed hydrogeolo - nology was a huge asset local - gists are putting the final ly, as he designed a billing touches to the reports and it is system and other management hoped that meetings to tools for Lough Gur GWS. explain the reports to the An efficient dairy farmer, he schemes will commence also found time to work for the shortly. Fennor Inchorourke wider development of the GWS already met with its Ballyhoura region. hydrogeologist, while a We extend sincere sympathies meeting is currently being to his wife and family. arranged for schemes in the *** Lough Derg area. Caherline Newtown GWS met *** recently with the consultants working on the Pallas Green Zinc Mining Project, a devel - opment that may have serious implications for groundwater levels in the area. If it goes ahead, mining could go as deep as 1,200 meters. Exploratory works are well underway and this has involved some 15 drilling rigs boring to 200m and then lat - erally 300m in any direction. The GWSs involved have supplied the consultants with ZOC delineation reports that Representatives of Ardcroney GWS and Killeen GWS pictured at the Tipperary GWS Federation AGM in were completed recently on January. With 26 group schemes represented, this was the largest attendance for many years. Above: Thomas their sources. Callinane, Thomas Higgins and Pat Mockler pictured at the AGM.

28 Rural Water News Spring 2014

Many of the schemes were proud of all that had been anxious to get an update on achieved, not least the major Irish Water and on NFGWS upgrade completed some progress throughout the year years ago. as part of the water sector Michael was a regular atten - reform negotiations on work der at national conferences stream 4. on rural water, alongside his *** beloved wife, Eileen, to Ardcroney GWS recently whom we extend heartfelt completed the NFGWS sympathy . revised Management *** Training course. Meetings were held in March The committee (first elected with 4 group schemes in the in 2012) has formed a co- Thurles area that are consid - operative structure and hopes ering the feasibility of com - to organise its inaugural ing together to appoint a AGM shortly. manager. Between them the *** schemes have a combined Our condolences to the Ryan 450 connections. It is hoped family and to his GWS col - that the position will be leagues on the recent passing advertised in April. of Michael Ryan, aged 74. Michael was one of the three Waterford original trustees of Fennor A QA site visit took place on Inchorourke GWS in 1981 the Moonminane GWS in Top: Gerard O'Rourke, Rathfalla GWS and Tim Conway, Drumbane and he served as secretary January. (Ballina) GWS at the Tipperary GWS Federation AGM. over many years. *** Bottom: The late Michael Ryan with Caoimhe Hickey and Karen Ibbotson. He was actively involved in Slady Castle GWS, a small Tipperary GWS Federation representatives from 26 the day to day running of the scheme located between AGM on 30 January was schemes, making it the largest scheme up until his final ill - Clonmel and Dungarven, was attended by over 45 GWS attendance for many years. ness and was immensely also visited in January.

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29 Rural Water News Spring 2014 *** those schemes that had and in which committees no Ulster Following the installation of requested taking-in-charge longer operate. new bulk meters, Clifferna Region GWS is now concentrating by Julie Brannigan & on repairing leaks they were Brian MacDonald unaware of prior to commis - sioning of the bulk meters. Cavan *** The GWS Federation AGM Mountain Lodge GWS is was held on 22 January in currently upgrading and Butlersbridge, attended by 31 replacing scour valves. representatives from 15 group *** water schemes. Mairéad Phase 2 of the Glangevlin Sheridan, Secretary, gave a GWS network rehabilitation detailed report, including an project is due to be complet - overview of the 2013 Rural ed within the next month. Water Programme. County chairperson, Jim Donegal Maguire spoke of the impor - NFGWS Quality Assurance tance of the work carried out site visits were carried out on by the NFGWS. Bunn GWS, Meenabool *** GWS and Townawilly GWS Catchment delineation over 4 and 5 February. reports are currently being All three schemes are main - prepared in respect of several taining QA records and local GWS sources. The demonstrate a professional schemes involved include level of management. Dernakesh GWS, Farmoyle *** Barraghy GWS, Gowlan In an interview with the GWS and Milltown GWS. Letterkenny based Highland *** Radio on 5 February, Work to install an automatic NFGWS development offi - meter reading system on Erne cer, Brian MacDonald reiter - Valley GWS is ongoing. ated the message that private - *** ly-sourced schemes have Bulk meter installation work nothing to fear from the Top: Bulk meter installation on Drumkeery GWS. Middle: Dr Alec Rolston of the Centre for Freshwater and Environment Studies evaluat - on Drumkeery GWS has advent of Irish Water. He added that many questions ing potential pressures at an inlet stream to Barraghy Lough, drinking been completed. water source for the local GWS. Bottom: Coiste members of remain to be resolved for the Further source protection Comharchumann Toraí held a meeting with GWS representatives from hundreds of publicly sourced measures continue to be Bunn, Meenabool and Townawilly on 27 February to discuss the future schemes in Donegal, not least of water supply on the island. implemented on the scheme. The committee is in discus - sion with farmers surround - ing the lake source with a view to installing stock- proof fencing. *** Dernakesh GWS is fixing numbered plates on all meters to ease reading. *** Farmoyle Barraghy GWS is currently installing new steel piping in its treatment plant, as well as upgrading high lift and chemical pumps. *** A critical mains replacement contract is ongoing on Corlough GWS.

30 Rural Water News Spring 2014

Trace it, Find it, Fix it, Save it.

Éamonn McCabe of Bunn GWS discusses the chlorine monitoring system ROV Reservoir in Meenabool GWS, with local caretaker, Eugene Mooney. Surveys Using our new ROV UNDERWATER CAMERA, the LBV150, with its powerful lighting and *** turned around with a modest, video we are capable of inspecting reservoirs while they remain in service, saving you A very successful meeting focused investment and by a inconvenience, time & money. This is a low cost solution that allows Local Authorities and Group Water Schemes to plan and budget for repairs and maintenance without draining of Donegal GWS federation renewed commitment from the reservoir, ensuring that resources are targeted most e ectively. The survey will identify any structural problems, such as cracks or fractures in the concrete or corrosion on was held on 7 February, with the island community to its deteriorating pipe work &  ttings. The primary objective of potable water management is the provision of high quality water. To do this, the 4 privately sourced maintenance. water storage tanks, pipes, treatment plants and associated structures all need to meet the very highest standards of hygiene and durability. Regular inspection and safeguards are necessary in order to protect schemes in the county repre - At a meeting with the GWS the integrity of the structure and to prevent surfaces in contact with water from deteriorating or breaking sented. representatives, and after hear - down because of physical stresses and chemical attack. It was decided that more reg - ing this evaluation, members 10% Discount for Limited Period* Call: Declan Smith on 086 040 0403 ular meetings should be held of the coiste of the so that information might be comharchumann stated that Call us now for a FREE consultation: r
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4VSWFZT LoCall: 1890 77 22 22 www.InDepth.ie Email: [email protected] ing from one another. ue as a private group scheme. *Expires 30th Nov. Terms & Conditions apply *** The issue was to be put to the As a direct follow-on from the island community at a public A source catchment delin - Flag in 2013 as part of an county meeting, representa - meeting on 25 March. eation report is currently Taisce’s Green Schools pro - tives from Bunn, Meenabool being prepared for the GWS. gramme with a further 8 and Townawilly Group Water Monaghan *** schools participating in vari - Schemes were joined by Brian The county federation AGM Magheracloone GWS is ous Water Workshops organ - MacDonald of the NFGWS was held on 20 January, refurbishing sluice valves on ised by Nial O’Connor, on a visit to Toraí GWS on 27 attended by 25 representa - its network. Environmental Awareness February. tives from 11 group water *** Officer with Monaghan Co. Toraí has been experiencing schemes. Killanny & Reaghstown Council. significant difficulties, not Following 10 years of serv - GWS is close to completing *** least during the recent storms ice, the AGM was informed the replacement of 3km of The first cross border River when their pumphouse was that Mac Boyd would not be critical mains . Trust was established in the inundated by the Atlantic going forward for re-election *** Blackwater Catchment in ocean. to the NFGWS Board. The ‘All About Water’ work - 2013. Given earlier difficulties, Federation chairperson, book is an excellent teachers Having secured charity status, Comharchumann Toraí had Hugh O’Reilly was nominated resource for primary schools. the trust has already sourced approached the county coun - from the Monaghan Five schools in Monaghan funding to begin a number of cil to see if the scheme could Federation and he was con - have achieved their Water environmental projects. be taken-in-charge. firmed as one of three new The visit by the other GWS Board members at the Important dates for your representatives was designed National Federation ADC on GWS diary in 2014 to evaluate what would be 12 March. 31 March: Deadline for submission of Co-op Annual required for the scheme to *** and Triennial Returns to the Registry of remain privately-sourced and Glaslough Tyholland GWS Friendly Societies. in compliance with the is in the process of appoint - Drinking Water Regulations . ing a manager. 30 June: Deadline for receipt of Subsidy claims by Following an assessment from *** your Local Authority the Loch a’ thuaidh source to Construction works have the reservoir, the considered been completed on the new 10 July: RWN Advertisers’ Exhibition, Tullamore view of the GWS delegation 100,000 gallon reservoir at 10 September: Rural Water Conference, Athlone was that the scheme could be Stranooden GWS.

31 Rural Water News Spring 2014

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