Ireland has been found liable for providing unsafe drinking water to numerous individuals served by water sources contaminated with a chemical compound associated with cancer.
Uisce Éireann asserts that most of the affected water sources mentioned in the case have been upgraded to meet standards since legal proceedings commenced in the European Court of Justice.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted that there are still other affected water sources, and addressing this issue must remain a top priority for Uisce Éireann.
The European Commission initiated the case, warning Ireland in 2015 about 21 public water supplies and nine group water schemes consistently violating EU regulations regarding the presence of trihalomethanes (THMs).
THMs are chemical compounds formed when organic particles, like bacteria and plant material left in water after filtration in water treatment plants, react with chlorine disinfectant.
The court stated in its ruling that THMs pose concerns for human health and the environment, as prolonged exposure to high levels of these compounds in drinking water may increase the risk of cancer, particularly bladder and colon cancer, and cause gastrointestinal issues and skin irritation. Additionally, THMs released into the environment can harm aquatic wildlife, disrupt freshwater ecosystems, and contribute to the formation of 'dead zones' in oceans by promoting excessive algae growth.
Despite Ireland's argument citing geographical challenges, such as the presence of peatlands and above-average rainfall, the court rejected it and ordered authorities to bring the water sources up to required standards and cover the unspecified costs of the case.
Uisce Éireann stated it has been actively addressing the problem, with only five water sources remaining in breach out of the 74 initially referenced in the European Commission complaint. The company is taking measures to mitigate the risk of elevated THM levels by upgrading plants and implementing enhanced operational controls.
Laura Burke, director general of the EPA, anticipates that the remaining non-compliant water sources mentioned in the case will meet regulations by 2026. While acknowledging Uisce Éireann's efforts, Burke emphasized the need for continued attention to other affected water sources.
Friends of the Irish Environment, which filed the original complaint with the European Commission, welcomed the ruling but expressed concern that households were not fully informed of the risks. They highlighted the dangers of showering in water with high THM levels and the added risk for households under boil water notices due to the steam produced during boiling.
Source: independent.ie