E-coli present in one-third of private water schemes

More than a third of the country’s drinking water supplies require detailed testing to ensure they meet proper standards of health, it emerged today.

More than one-third of Ireland's private water schemes are contaminated with the e-coli bacteria, according to the latest data from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The bug, which comes from human and animal waste, is also present in 8% of public water schemes.