Water supply: Clean water right denied to many

The revelation that 121 water treatment plants countrywide are operating way below an acceptable standard is a cause of great concern and highlights the current poor state of water supply in Ireland.

Almost one million people are at risk of drinking unclean water - a shocking situation in any developed country. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, significant investment is needed to address quality issues.

In a report yesterday on the nation’s drinking water, The EPA said those 121 supplies are at risk due to inadequate disinfection and water management systems.