Water wise: Is your drinking water actually safe?

Around 11% of Irish people still get their water from private water supplies that are not being checked by local testing authorities

Water quality starts with purity and safety. If you have a private supply, it’s up to you to get the water tested. Picture: iStock

Streaming into our glasses, filling those cooking pans and soaking our children’s delicate skin, it’s easy to take the condition of our water supply for granted. What should you know, whether you’re a customer of Irish Water or providing your own water from a well, spring or borehole?

Starting with the mains, John Leamy, drinking water compliance lead with Irish Water, emphasises that in general, our local authority supply is completely safe.