There are over 600 existing Group Water Supply Schemes in the county, of which 141 serve in excess of 50 persons. Responsibility for Group water schemes was devolved from the Department of Environment and Local Government to the local authority in 1997. Since then, all applications for new schemes or for upgrading of existing schemes, and for subsidies for maintenance and operating costs, are processed through the Water Services Department, and funded through allocations from the DoELG.
The primary challenge faced by all parties involved in rural water supplies in Ireland is to ensure that the quality of the water supplied to consumers complies with the EU Directive on Drinking Water Standards.
Advice on Private Water Scheme Protection
- Click here to access the information leaflet "Keeping your private water supply safe, Information for Unregulated Private Water Supplies"
What is a Well Grant?
It is a grant funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and administered by Donegal County Council. the objective of the Grant Scheme is to assist households dependent on private individual water supplies to improve a seriously deficient supply either by drilling a new well or installing a new pump on an existing well.
There are 3 basic criteria of eligibilty for the grant:
- The house is occupied by the applicant as his or her normal place of residence and,
- The house is not connected to, and cannot reasonably be connected to, Irish Water or a Group Water Scheme and,
- The house has been fully constructed for more than 7 years.
How do I apply for a Well Grant?
Complete and return Application form called Grant for the Provision of Necessary Improvement of an Individual Water Supply to a House PWS1a Well Grant Application. Please read the Terms and Conditions Well Grant which accompany this grant.
How much of a Well Grant can I receive?
The grant payable for rehabilitation works is 85% of approved costs subject to a maximum of 3,000 euro.
The grant payable for the provision of a new well is 85% of approved costs subject to maximum of 5,000 euro, where the local authority agrees that this is the most appropriate solution.
In recognising the role of the grant in improving water quality, the water quality treatment element (typically filtration and Ultra Violet Treatment) qualifies for 100% funding up to a maximum of 1,000 euro. This can be claimed on its own or in addition to either the grant for rehabilitation works or the grant for a new well.
The minimum grant threshold is 750.00.
Who can test the Water Quality of my well supply?
It is necessary as part of the Well Grant Scheme to obtain a compliant Water Quality Test Result. Information on Water Testing Services are available here.
Further Information relating to the Well Grant Scheme can be found on the Department of Housing Website together with the Department's Privacy Notice.
Lead in Drinking Water
Information for customers on a public supply on lead pipes is available on the Irish Water Website.
Revised Grant for Remediation of Domestic Lead Piping
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have launched a revised grant, available from 1st December, 2022, to assist householders with the cost of replacing lead pipes and fittings in their homes. It is available to households served from public water supplies, Group Water Schemes and private supplies. The property concerned must be occupied by the applicant as his or her principle private residence. The grant is administered by Donegal County Council. Application forms are available here Claim Form DLRG 1a and Terms and Conditions are available here Terms and Conditions.
Replacement of lead piping between the property boundary and the public watermain is the responsibility of Irish Water. If you are aware of lead piping between your property boundary and the public main please contact Irish Water via the Irish Water Website.
Rural Water Liaison Officer
Donegal County Council
County House
Lifford
Co.Donegal
Tel: 074 91 53900
Email: ruralwater@donegalcoco.ie