Two key steps in Ireland’s on-going implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) have been announced. A consultation document on the Timetable and Work Programme for the development of the 2nd cycle of River Basin Management Plans. New Regulations have also been introduced which re-assign functional responsibility for WFD implementation to local authorities, to the Environmental Protection...

Water Footprint is becoming more well known – Water an expensive resources which may have just got easier thanks to a new ISO International Standard. ISO 14046, Environmental management – Water footprint – Principles, requirements and guidelines will allow all kinds of organizations, from industry, to government and NGOs the means to measure their ‘water footprint’, or...

Water use and management is a key consideration for any organization in light of growing demand for resources and increasing water scarcity.  Water management is required at local, regional and global levels.  It stands to reason therefore that a consistent assessment technique is required.  ISO 14046 (or International Standard ISO 14046, Environmental management – Water...

On 1st January 2014 Irish Water became responsible for the production, distribution and monitoring of drinking water from over 1000 public water supplies, serving 82.0% of the population. The remainder of the population is supplied by group water schemes (6.6%), small private supplies (0.8%) and private wells (10.6%) that are exempt under the Regulations.  Responsibility for the water quality rests with...

It used to be that information was king.   However, with the advent of the internet and “Google Experts” we quickly recognised that the “king” which our clients required was the correct interpretation of information specifically tailored to their requirements. This has included: Ensuring that the most appropriate Permits and Licences in place to mitigate against business interruption, prosecution...

The European Commission has published a consultation document on the quality of drinking water in Europe The aim of this drinking water consultation document is to gather views on the need and the possible range of actions which could be undertaken in order to improve the supply with high quality drinking water. The results of the...

The National Pesticides Working group has produced a leaflet to provide information supporting awareness around responsible use of herbicides, including MCPA, by farmers and other professional users. Protecting drinking water quality is essential for sustainable use of resources. Drinking water monitoring results for Ireland show that a number of herbicides commonly used on grassland, such...

Ireland’s countryside is undoubtedly a high quality natural resource which is extensive and diverse.   Resource Management, Education and Conservation are ongoing requirements if our countryside is to continue to lend itself to the provision of opportunities for a wide range of countryside recreation activities for both the local population and for an increasing number of tourists. To...

The EPA estimate  that 30% of private wells in Ireland are contaminated by E. coli arising from animal or human waste. HSE reports a growing number of cases of VTEC – a particularly nasty form of E.coli. Analysis of cases finds that patients are up to four times more likely to have consumed untreated water...

Coca Cola recognised were one of the first companies to recognise water efficiency as adding significant value to their bottom line. For more than 40 years ago Coca Cola have lead the way to demonstrate how a global business can improve their business and add significant value to the countries and communities in which they...