The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce

The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce is Ireland's independent statutory body advising on national water policy. 27 members representing 16 sectors contribute.

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Our Autumn Newsletter is out! Explore latest water sector updates, policy recommendations, progress on Catchment Community Fora and insights from our recent national survey! Stay informed—read the full edition here now: Water Forum Newsletter No. 21 Autumn 2025 - An Fóram Uisce

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

#ScienceWeek Fact 4
Ireland’s “hidden” water supply: 180,000 wells serving 800,000 people.
97% sit near septic tanks — not ideal.
Ireland sees 10× higher waterborne illness rates than the EU average.
A national testing plan (€3.5–€5.3m/yr) would go a long way.

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Science Week Fact #3 - Ireland can run short of water
We now abstract 21% of renewable freshwater — up in recent years.
Use spans homes + non-domestic sectors.
Some regions already face summer shortages as demand peaks.
Smart planning now = water security later.

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

#ScienceWeek Fact 2: Saving water saves money!
Cutting use from 110L → 90L per person/day costs <€180 & pays back in 2 years.
That switch saves €280/yr on energy + €9.7m nationally by 2030.
Smart water = smart living
For more, read our The Value of Water Conservation Report

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Science Week Fact #1: How well do we really know our waters? 💧#ScienceWeek

Did you know 60% of people in Ireland live within 1 km of a river or lake — yet only 7% know how healthy their local water is? 🤔

For more insights- check this out! https://t.co/ULStlQWbQT

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

The Water Forum joins @DeptHousingIRL’s workshop on Significant Water Quality Issues -shaping Ireland’s 4th River Basin Management Plan (2028–2033)
We will share our vision for relentless focus on implementation & outcomes-based action, community participation & policy coherence

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Tomorrow we’re diving into the 2025 UK & Ireland Lakes Network Conference!
We’re connecting with innovators shaping the future of our lakes & rivers — because healthy waters mean a healthier future for all.
Catch Triona McGrath & Divya Inna Flynn from @TheWaterForum at #UKILN2025

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

That’s a wrap on the Rural Water Services Conference 2025 💧

A big thank you to everyone who made hashtag#RWSC2025 such a success — let’s keep building resilience together!

#RWSC2025 #RuralWaterWeek @National #NFGWS
#RuralWaterWeek
#CommunityPower @AnForamUisce @nfgws

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

@IrishWater issued a hosepipe ban today. We need to build water efficient homes. If the @DeptHousingIRL 300,000 new homes planned were water efficient it could save the State €9.7m in water and wastewater costs.
https://t.co/JYX1bwo7c5

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Drinking water in lead pipes can have negative health impacts particularly for young children. This grant provides 100% cost up to €5,000. @nfgws @swanireland @IrishWater @WatersProgramme @LGMAIreland

[Great Yellow Bumblebee Project @GYB_Project]

We beginning to get a buzzing feeling about this weekend's (19-20 July), Mullet Bioblitz. See pinned post for more information. Supported by Mayo CoCo & NPWS Local Biodiversity Action Fund & Údarás na Gaeltachta and @TidyBelmullet
#lbaf #biodiversityMayo #NPWS #MayoCoCo #Mayo

[EPA Research News @EPAResearchNews]

The SWAMP Project, led by Dr. Florence Renou-Wilson and team at @ucddublin , is now published on the EPA website.

Follow the link to find out more, https://t.co/7ELGrfbHuF.

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Drinking water in lead pipes can have negative health impacts particularly for young children. This grant provides 100% cost up to €5,000. @nfgws @swanireland @IrishWater @WatersProgramme @LGMAIreland

[National Federation of Group Water Schemes @nfgws]

🏠 Older home? You might have lead pipes🚱
💧 The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme can help you replace them.
📘 Learn how to apply:
👉 https://t.co/G5i66GckU2
@DeptHousingIRL
#LeadAwareness #SafeWater #NFGWS #HealthyHomes

[Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine @agriculture_ie]

🪶 Avian Influenza #Birdflu is circulating in sea birds.

Poultry keepers in coastal areas prevent contact with wild birds with strict biosecurity measures. Report any signs of bird flu to your local Regional Veterinary Office

👉https://t.co/RobvVr66tg

[National Parks and Wildlife Service @NPWSIreland]

⚠️Avian Influenza #Birdflu is circulating in sea birds.

- Do not handle dead or sick birds including seabirds such as puffins or gannets found on land
- Keep pets on a lead in coastal areas where dead/sick birds are present to keep them safe

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Good to see that 99.8% of Public Drinking Water samples compliant but @IrishWater need to prioritise addressing issues at Remedial Action List Supplies and supplies on Boil Water Notices. @EPAIreland @nfgws @swanireland

[EPA Ireland @EPAIreland]

1/6 How safe is public drinking water in Ireland? The EPA has published the Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies Report 2024. Public Supplies are managed, treated and distributed to households by Uisce Eireann. https://t.co/jce7CSI2tr

[Green-Schools @GreenSchoolsIre]

This #WaterSavingWeek, let us all be #GardenSmart and conserve rainwater! Installing a water butt to harvest rainwater to water your garden can help conserve treated water, reduce the demand on your water supply and protect the environment.

Small steps can make a huge difference! 💧🩵

#GreenSchools #DfGAlliance #WaterConservation #WaterAction #WaterSmart

[Biodiversity Ireland @BioDataCentre]

Invasive Spotlight Species #16: New Zealand flatworm

This species preys on native earthworm populations which can negatively impact soil fertility and drainage.

Submit your sighting 👉https://t.co/Ts758R2GWO

Species Profile 👉 https://t.co/jqTvSB3jXs

#ReportInvasives

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Great workshop engaging with young people - conversations about water @nycinews @nfgws @RTallireland @suelinnane

[The Water Forum - An Fóram Uisce @AnForamUisce]

Opportunity for Group Water Schemes who tirelessly provide water to local communities to share their good work and earn a chance to win an Excellence Award. @PPNNetwork @ruralwater_ie @RTallireland @nfgws

[National Federation of Group Water Schemes @nfgws]

🏆Community Engagement Award🏆
🤝Strong communities build strong water schemes.
The Community Engagement Award celebrates GWSs that involve, inform, and inspire.
📣Share your story!
👉Apply: https://t.co/VGmHtLKFaJ