Mixed results for Offaly in latest drinking water report

Drinking water quality in Offaly has improved in one category but deteriorated slightly in another according to the latest report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The report, looking at the provision and quality of drinking water in Ireland in 2010, assessed the safety and security of drinking water supplies across the country. Drinking water in Offaly was assessed by analysing a number of parameters. For human health the microbiological parameters are the most important, as they can indicate potential risks - in particular E. coli - that indicates human or animal waste has entered the water supply. Chemical parameters are also assessed as long term exposure can also be a potential risk to human health. The latest report shows that drinking water in Offaly achieved 98.8% compliance with microbiological parameters, which is a decrease in quality from 100% compliane in 2009. Offaly's drinking water showed 100% compliance with chemical limits however, up from 99.3% compliance in 2009. According to EPA Programme Manager Gerard O'Leary the latest report shows that for the first time large public water supplies in Ireland have similar compliance levels to similar supplies in England, Wales and the Netherlands. The latest report is the EPA's fourth on drinking water quality since new regulations were introduced in 2007 to provide a greater level of consumer protection.