Cork City Water Quality Shows Major Improvement Following €1.7 Million Investment

Uisce Éireann reports a 42% reduction in water discolouration complaints over the past year, with new treatment systems and extensive network flushing delivering cleaner tap water to Cork residents.

Cork City's long-standing water discolouration problems are showing significant improvement following a comprehensive €1.7 million investment programme by Uisce Éireann over the past 12 months.

The utility company reported today that customer complaints about discoloured water have dropped by 42%, falling from 1,737 reports between September 2023 and August 2024 to 1,018 reports in the most recent 12-month period.

The improvement comes after an intensive programme targeting the city's ageing cast iron water network, which has historically caused sediment and naturally occurring metals like manganese and iron to discolour the water supply.

Key measures implemented include a specialist manganese reduction system at Lee Road Water Treatment Plant, installed in December 2024, followed by an alkalinity dosing system introduced in June 2025. These systems work to remove manganese from source water and reduce interaction with the city's old cast iron pipes.

Uisce Éireann has also undertaken an extensive flushing programme covering over 15% of the city's network, with crews isolating small sections and clearing water mains of sediment. The company reports that high levels of discolouration have not returned to these treated areas.

Current water quality testing shows significant improvement, with 94% compliance for manganese levels, 96% for iron, and 94% for colour across the network. The utility now tests water quality at over 50 locations citywide, ten times more frequently than required by regulation.

Brian O'Leary, Regional Operations Manager, acknowledged residents' frustrations:

"We want to acknowledge the frustration felt by residents in the issues faced over the last number of years and we greatly appreciate the patience of our customers while we have worked diligently to improve the situation within the city.

We are pleased to confirm that there have been notable improvements in the water quality across the city and we are hopeful now that the benefits we are seeing will continue and are part the long-lasting solution we have been working towards."

While the improvements are substantial, Uisce Éireann cautions that the measures will not eliminate 100% of discolouration instances, as operational issues like water main bursts can still cause short-term problems.

The company continues to advise customers not to drink discoloured water, recommending running cold kitchen taps for up to 20 minutes to restore clarity. Water is safe to drink once it runs clear.

Customers experiencing ongoing issues are encouraged to contact Uisce Éireann directly on 1800 278 278. The company has also established a dedicated online reporting form specifically for Cork City customers.

Future plans include continuing reactive flushing programmes, maintaining enhanced testing regimes, and planning for the eventual replacement of cast iron pipes, subject to funding and investment cycles.