‘Luck’ has kept water crisis at bay

A LEADING microbiologist has said it is “just luck” that the country hasn’t faced a huge public health crisis caused by water contamination.

He also said a “rational and environmental argument” exists for introducing water rates as good quality drinking water is very expensive to produce.

Dr Vincent O’Flaherty, who is a member of the Enhancing Human Health Through Improving Water Quality project, also recommended a national water authority be put in place to oversee the planning and co-ordination of water treatment and monitoring.