This Week's Top Five Queries (02.11.2015 - 06.11.2015)

Irish Water: Laura

Question 1 –Where can I return my water Meter?


The water meter outside your home is part of the water network operated by Irish Water. To ensure a safe clean supply of water, all works to your water meter and the water network should only be carried out by a fully trained and authorised personnel. Water meters are being fitted by personnel who are fully trained in meter installations and water hygiene.


Interference with or removal of a water meter is a criminal offence under the Water Services Act 2007 and may cause interruption to or contamination to your water supply
 
Question 2 – How do I have my details removed from your database?


The Water Services Act deems a customer liable for water charges if they are connected to the public water/wastewater mains infrastructure. We cannot cut off supply unless there is a valid reason such as providing your own supply i.e. private well, private group water scheme and/or a septic tank.


Irish Water was set up as Ireland’s new national water utility company by the Water Services Act 2013.  Our relationship with our customers is founded in statute rather than in contract. The functions of Irish Water are set out in the Water Services Act 2007 to 2014 (the “Water Services Acts”).  Further details of the services we provide can be found on our website, www.water.ie.
 
Question 3 – Have you got information regarding Orthophosphates in the water supply?


Orthophosphate is a food grade product, normally used in the food and beverage industry, and is safe for human consumption. There is 500 times more phosphorus in a glass of milk than there is in a glass of water which has had this process added to it. The average person takes in between 1,000 and 2,000 milligrammes of Phosphorus daily, and the amount which would relate to water treated with orthophosphate would be 3 milligrammes.

Orthophosphate treatment has been carried out successfully in the UK, USA, Canada and mainland Europe since that late 1990’s. All water treatment plants in Northern Ireland, for example, have had continuous Orthophosphate treatment for over 10 years and the lead compliance rate is very high.

Phosphorous is an important nutrient in supporting plant growth and when present in excess in slow moving fresh water, it can promote algae growth and so before orthophosphate treatment is commenced in any particular location, an environmental risk assessment will be carried out.
 
Question 4 – What is the average consumption for a two adult household?


The average consumption for one person in 66m3 per annum. Which is working out at roughly 16.5m3 per quarter per person. If you are concerned about your consumption, please see here for conservation tips.


Alternatively, if you are concerned about a leak, we would advise carrying out the following test; turn off all taps in your home, along with your Inside Stop Valve which is normally found under your kitchen sink. You can then check your water meter to see if your usage continues to increase.
 
Question 5 – Tenant of private property - have I missed the grant?


Irish Water advises that the person who primarily lives in the property register their details with us on 1890 448 448 and ensure accurate billing.


We advise tenants to call in order to make us aware that they are financially responsible for the property and to update the correspondence to ensure they receive their bills.


If you have not previously registered over the phone, we suggest you do so and you will be eligible to apply for the Water Conservation Grant in 2016.