Sligo County Council’s continuing investment in its water supply network ensures that households in the county are provided with drinking water that meets strict EU criteria. In the most recent EPA report (Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland Report published in January 2007) overall rate of compliance for all public water supplies and public group water schemes tested in Sligo during 2005 was 98.8%.

Sligo County Council has a statutory obligation and is committed to providing a high quality water supply to the public, which complies with the requirements of the EC (Drinking Water) Regulations, 2007. In this regard, Sligo County Council carry out a rigorous programme of monitoring for each of the Council’s Public Water Supplies and all of the larger Group Water Schemes in the county to ensure compliance with the standards set down in the Regulations. In addition, independent monitoring of drinking water supplies is carried out by the Health Service Executive.

Where localised issues arise, such as recent discoloration in the North Sligo Supply, caused by weather related fluctuations in raw water quality, consultations take place with the Health Service Executive in relation to any potential public health implications.  Remedial measures are implemented as appropriate.

In relation to Cryptosporidium, it is confirmed that all public water supplies are free of this parasite, and there are currently no Boiling Notices on any of the public water supplies in the county.

Sligo County Council has invested substantially in its Rural Water programme in recent years. Over the last two years the Council has delivered new treatment systems to twelve group water schemes, an initiative which has seen the provision of a quality water supply to over 1,800 households in the county. This programme of works has ensured the new schemes will provide a water supply that meets the required EU standards.

Sligo County has three designated bathing areas under the EU Bathing Water Directive, Enniscrone, Mullaghmore and Rosses Point.  The water quality is tested on a regular basis and in all cases the bathing water is fully compliant with the required standards.  Results are posted on the notice boards at the beaches on a regular basis and are also available on the council’s website www.sligococo.ie. Dunmoran and Streedagh beaches are also tested and meet the bathing water standards.

Mullaghmore and Rosses Point beaches enjoy blue flag status. Enniscrone has temporarily lost its blue flag status for this season due to a small number of samples
not meeting the very stringent Blue Flag water quality standards in 2006. However all tests in 2007 show full compliance with the Blue Flag standards and the Council are confident that the Blue Flag will be restored in Enniscrone next season.

If you have any queries in relation to water quality issues please contact Environmental Services by phoning 071-9111111 or by emailing enviro@sligococo.ie

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