Springtime algae at Vartry may cause reduced water pressure

DUE TO a springtime algae bloom in the reservoir at the Vartry Water Treatment Plant in Roundwood, some consumers in north Wicklow may experience a slight reduction to their water pressure, according to Irish Water.

In order to rebalance water production across the region, an increased amount of drinking water will be supplied to South Dublin County Council from Leixlip Water Treatment Plant.

The algae bloom, as well as recent dry weather and an increase in regional demand has put additional pressure on water treatment plants in the greater dublin region.

In a statement, Irish Water said that they and the local authorities are closely monitoring the water supply and demand balance daily so that unsustainable demands are not placed on individual water treatment plants.

They said that they will keep customers informed of any further changes in this situation.

Irish Water is planning to undertake a significant upgrade to the Vartry scheme, although these are now subject to an oral hearing by An Bord Pleanala. ‘ These works will secure the water supply for the long term and ensure the scheme continues to meet all drinking water standards,’ Irish Water has said in a statement.

The scheme is currently on the EPA’s remedial action list, which identifies supplies in urgent need of improvement.

Irish Water secured planning permission from Wicklow County Council in November 2016 to upgrade the Vartry water treatment plant. Following an appeal, An Bord Pleanála confirmed that it will hold an oral hearing as part of its deliberations on the planned upgrade. The case is due to be decided by September 8.

Appellants include Inland Fisher- ies, River Vartry Protection Society, Vartry Anglers Conservation Club, Avoca, and Konrand and Katherine Jay. They claim that the upgrade will negatively impact water levels in the Vartry River. Irish Water has rejected this claim.

In an observation on the proposed works, Cllr Jennifer Whitmore of Greystones Municipal District said that an Environmental Impact Statement hadn’t been required.

‘It was impossible to determine the potential impact of the proposed plan,’ Cllr Whitmore said.

Irish Water is also progressing plans to construct a new pipeline and additional structures for the transfer of treated drinking water from Vartry to Callowhill. ‘A proposal was put to Irish Water by the appellants that provided an opportunity to continue with the planned works, whilst maintaining the current flows,’ she said.

Planning permission was granted in February of this year for the construction of a new water pipeline and additional structures for the transfer of treated drinking water from Vartry to Callowhill.

The project is currently going through the tender process and once complete a contract will be awarded for the work to commence.