Opinion: Ireland urgently needs a comprehensive water plan to address long-term challenges, including extreme weather events, pollution and wastage
While we argue over the issue of water charges in Ireland again rather than address the critical point of conservation, others are looking at water as an important resource. The Aquatech trade exhibition brought together over 25,000 water professionals from around the world in Amsterdam earlier this month. This global gathering is where industry leaders and innovators showcase new technologies and shape the future of water management.
As climate change intensifies, the water sector is increasingly recognised as vital to global resilience. This year’s event in Amsterdam underscored the urgent need to turn ambitious sustainability goals into actionable solutions.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, should we charge for excessive water usage?
In Ireland, the conversation around water has recently shifted from conservation efforts to the topic of water charges, but the real priority should be reducing our per capita water consumption to below the EU average. Currently, the European household water supply averages 144 litres per person per day, but Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) figures have showed that only 6% of Irish domestic water is used for drinking and cooking purposes. This means that 94% of our treated water does not need to meet stringent drinking water standards.
Despite this, Ireland remains one of the highest water consumers in Europe, a challenge that will only grow with increasing population demands. A comprehensive strategy incorporating domestic rainwater harvesting, water conservation and greywater recycling—such as reusing shower water for toilet flushing—could supply over 90% of domestic water needs. Additionally, addressing leaks across the national water network should be a top priority, as significant volumes of treated water are lost before they even reach consumers.
Ireland’s water supply is predominantly sourced from surface and groundwater, both replenished by rainfall. However, rainfall levels fluctuate significantly by location and season. For example, Dublin Airport recorded just 48.3mm of rainfall in February 2025, compared to 74.3mm in February 2024. These variations highlight the need for a long-term water resilience strategy, rather than reactive measures like temporary hosepipe bans.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, over 100,000 households across the country were left without water following Storm Éowyn in January
Producing clean water is both financially and environmentally costly, yet we continue to waste it on non-essential activities such as car washing and garden watering. A smarter approach is needed, one that prioritises water reuse, efficiency and conservation incentives. It is simply illogical to use the same high-quality treated water for drinking as we do for flushing toilets and watering plants.
Practical steps must be taken, including:
(i) Mandating that all new buildings incorporate water conservation measures from the outset.
(ii) Offering financial incentives to households that actively reduce their water consumption.
(iii) Providing every household with a "water butt" for rainwater collection and reuse as part of national climate and energy initiatives.
Reducing water wastage also lowers energy consumption. Water treatment is an energy-intensive process, and cutting down on excessive use directly decreases carbon emissions—a win-win for both the environment and the economy.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Brendan O'Connor Show, are you prepared for the two minute shower?
Public awareness must also improve. The value of water is often overlooked, and there is a need for broader education on issues such as scarcity, pollution and sustainable usage. Water is a critical resource across industries, from data centres to agriculture and food production.
However, many consumers lack confidence in tap water, despite its high production cost. This scepticism is fuelled by frequent boil-water notices, leading to an over-reliance on bottled water. Ireland spends millions of euros annually on bottled water, yet this expense exceeds what most households would have paid in water charges. Additionally, single-use plastic waste from bottled water poses a significant environmental burden.
Initiatives such as 'Take Back the Tap' demonstrate how small personal changes—like choosing tap water over bottled water—can have widespread environmental and financial benefits. We should also reconsider how we use treated water for non-essential tasks, ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, one in four people never drink their tap water, choosing bottled water instead
Large corporations must also step up in water stewardship. Some businesses are already leading by example: Intel aims to recover 100% of its global water usage by 2025, while Electrolux has developed water-efficient washing machines and dishwashers. However, all companies must integrate sustainable water management into their operations.
Everyone has a role to play in securing Ireland’s water future, and government-led initiatives can accelerate change. These could include:
- Installing low-flow showerheads to reduce water consumption.
- Using water-saving devices in toilets, such as dual-flush systems.
- Prioritising water-efficient appliances when purchasing new dishwashers and washing machines.
- Incorporating water collection and reuse options in new home construction as a priority, alongside energy-efficiency measures.
- Utilising rainwater collection systems for gardens and outdoor cleaning.
Ireland urgently needs a comprehensive water resilience plan to address long-term challenges, including extreme weather events, prolonged dry spells, and pollution of water sources. Relying on short-term restrictions, such as hosepipe bans, is not a sustainable strategy. Instead, Uisce Éireann and the Department of the Environment must develop policies that ensure long-term water security. This means investing in infrastructure, incentivising conservation and promoting sustainable water use at all levels of society.
Water is a finite and invaluable resource. Managing it responsibly is not just an environmental necessity but an economic and social imperative. The time for action is now.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
