The EPA's verdict, county by county

The EPA found:

The EPA found:

Co Cavan: "Excessive levels of nitrate were found in Greaghrahan, Ardlougher and Beagh, which should be investigated as a matter of urgency". Group water schemes compliance with coliform standards decreased from 1998 to 2000.

Co Clare: There were "a significant number of exceedances for fluoirde".

Cork North: "High, single episodes of faecal coliform contamination in Castletownroche, Buttevant, Kildorrey, Killavullen, Mitchelstown and Watergrasshill public schemes."

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Cork South: Total coliform levels exceeded the safety standard. The coliforms in the public supplies were mostly non-faecal in origin, indicating mains contamination, which can be quickly remedied by flushing the distribution system.

Co Donegal: Several public water supplies "contained faecal coliforms". For group water schemes, the greatest concern is the "gross value" of faecal coliforms at Cloghan.

Co Louth: In Dundalk, fluoridation was a problem on a number of occasions.

D·n Laoghaire-Rathdown: There were "significant odour and taste problems encountered for the Roundwood supply".

Co Galway: 19 public schemes had iron values in excess of the maximum admissible level. Many results from group water schemes indicated "gross contamination".

Co Kerry: There were isolated incidences of faecal contamination in some schemes.

Co Kildare: Exceedances of faecal coliform standard were noted in three public schemes.

Co Mayo: Quality of group water schemes was poor overall.

Co Roscommon: Faecal coliforms were found in one third of group water schemes.

Co Waterford: 15 public schemes had incidents of faecal coliform contamination.

Co Wicklow: "The presence of coliforms in many group water schemes indicates poor drinking water quality."