Private group water schemes in 10 counties failed E.coli tests last year, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Around 200,000 people in rural Ireland get their drinking water from private group schemes, according to EPA estimates. Of the 370 schemes tested by the EPA last year, 14 failed the E.coli test.
These schemes are community-run supplies that source, treat, and supply drinking water to their members.
The agency also monitored 1,600 registered private supplies used by some businesses, schools, and nursing homes. Last year, 67 of these failed the E.coli test.
E.coli (Escherichia coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals; while most strains are harmless, some can cause severe food poisoning and serious illness.
EPA programme manager, Noel Byrne, said many private supplies continue to go under the radar because registration is not mandatory.
Speaking on Newstalk this morning, he...
