Safeguarding Ireland’s Water: The Rising Importance of Testing Private Supplies
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published concerning data indicating a spike in E. coli contamination across private group water schemes in Ireland. In 2024, 24 private schemes, mostly serving rural homes and farms, were found to contain E. coli.
While public water supplies continue to maintain a strong safety record achieving over 99.8% compliance in microbiological and chemical testing. The same cannot be said for many private water sources. These findings, as reported by RTÉ and detailed in the EPA’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report, underscore the need for more robust oversight, better support, and regular water quality testing for private water users.
Understanding the Risks
Private water supplies, particularly group water schemes and domestic wells, often lack the rigorous monitoring and treatment protocols that govern Ireland’s public systems. Without proper testing, contamination can go unnoticed potentially leading to the spread of verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), a particularly harmful strain that poses serious health risks, especially to young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Ireland already reports some of the highest rates of VTEC infection in Europe, with the EPA identifying untreated or poorly treated private supplies as a key contributor.
Eurofins’ Role in Protecting Public Health
At Eurofins Environment Testing Ireland, we work closely with local authorities, industry stakeholders, agricultural groups, and private homeowners to ensure water quality is accurately assessed and understood. Our laboratories offer:
• Microbiological testing for E. coli, coliforms, and other pathogens
• Chemical and nutrient analysis to detect nitrates, pesticides, heavy metals, and more
• Fast turnaround times to enable timely action when contamination is detected
Whether you're operating a private group scheme, managing a rural business, or simply sourcing water from your own well, reliable testing is the first step toward safe water.
What Needs to Change
The EPA has called for mandatory registration of private water supplies—a move Eurofins strongly supports. Registration enables proper oversight and ensures that testing and treatment can be implemented where needed.
In the meantime, we recommend the following steps for private water users:
1. Test at least once a year for microbial contamination, particularly after heavy rainfall.
2. Inspect wells regularly for signs of damage, surface runoff, or livestock proximity.
3. Install filtration or UV treatment where needed—and maintain equipment properly.
4. Keep records of test results and respond quickly if contamination is found.
Looking Ahead
The challenges posed by E. coli and other contaminants in private water supplies are not new but they are becoming more urgent. As climate events intensify and land use pressures grow, so too does the need for science-based solutions and better regulation.
Eurofins Environment Testing Ireland remains committed to supporting communities across the country in building resilient, safe, and sustainable water systems backed by the power of data, innovation, and independent analysis.
If you are concerned about your water supply or would like to speak with a member of our team, please get in touch for guidance or a testing quote.
👉 Learn more about the EPA findings on the EPA’s official page.
👉 Read the RTE News story on RTE’s official page.