Creaking water supply system set for €118m overhaul

A €118 million project to repair and replace over 280km (174 miles) of leaky water pipes in the Dublin region, saving 20 million litres of water per day, is to get under way this summer.

The project, the largest of its kind ever undertaken in the State, will provide vital improvement in water pressure and supply, according to Dublin City Council. However, householders can expect water cuts over the next two years as a result of the work.

The Watermain Rehabilitation Project, is being led by the council but will involve the four Dublin local authorities and parts of Kildare and Wicklow.

The project is necessary to maintain water supplies to the region and to allow for the expansion of new housing and businesses. The current system cannot withstand any further distribution pressure, according to deputy Dublin city engineer Tom Leahy.

In a report to city councillors Mr Leahy said that more than 800km of water mains are over 80 years old and have reached the end of their useful life.

"They are incapable of withstanding increases in distribution pressure without bursting due to the extent of internal corrosion," he said. In winter months even moderate frosts were resulting in the overnight loss of 25-30 million litres of water due to "huge numbers of bursts," he said.

The Dublin region water conservation project - which ran from 1997-2002 - and replaced some 20km of the city's oldest pipes, facilitated the construction of 40,000 houses. Moreover, some 5,000 manufacturing jobs were created as a result of the water that had been saved, Mr Leahy said. Construction of the water scheme is due for completion in 2011.

"Leakage may increase during the first two years, when pressure increases will create additional bursts in the network," Mr Leahy said.

The council has previously been criticised for failing to warn residents of water cuts. However, it says householders will be kept fully informed of any disruption.