Since the formation of Uisce Eireann as the National Utility responsible for the delivery & maintenance of the public water supply network in 2013, the taking in charge process for privately maintained group water schemes was reviewed. From 2013 - 2016 the processes involved were revised and new processes were agreed.
The following information has been prepared by the Kildare County Council Rural Water Department; to advise private group schemes in relation to the processes involved and it is intended to facilitate the implementation of the new standardised application process/criteria.
There are three different types of group schemes,
Privately sourced not connected to the public network supply.
Privately maintained groups connected and supplied via the public (Uisce Eireann) network.
Orphaned/Abandoned (un-maintained) groups connected and supplied via the public (Irish Water) network.
Taking In Charge of Privately sourced and not connected to the public network supply.
Under a specific Measure of the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme groups can submit a request to Kildare County Council to seek funding to carry out works to transition to the public (Uisce Eireann) network.
Any required upgrade works are to be carried out and permission for a new connection to the public network should be agreed Irish Water.
Taking In Charge of Privately maintained but connected to the public network supply.
Kildare County Council Rural Water Staff will work in conjunction with a group scheme committee to facilitate and advise in relation to the application for taking in charge by Irish Water of their scheme.
Irish Water require the following documentation to be completed,
- Signed Consent form for takeover of scheme by Uisce Eireann
- Signed & Completed Application form for taking in charge by Irish Water (Kildare County Council Rural Water staff will assist with the completion of this form).
- A Technical Report and As Constructed Drawings that meets the Uisce Eireann Basic Standard requirements (Kildare County Council Rural Water staff will assist with the preparation & completion of these documents).
Kildare County Council Rural Water Department will liaise with the group to assess & resolve any outstanding issues, i.e. leakage, any required upgrade works & funding for same.
Kildare County Council Rural Water Department will make a submission on behalf the group to Irish Water. Uisce Eireann will assess the submission in order to approve taking in charge.
Taking In Charge of Orphaned or Moribund Schemes:
Orphaned or Moribund schemes are generally over 15 years old and have no trustee or management committee in place. These schemes are connected to and receive their water supply from the public (Uisce Eireann) network, but the pipework is not owned or maintained by Uisce Eireann.
Uisce Eireann require a consent form with a minimum 66% of signatories of members/connected properties acquired and that there is no trustee or management structure in place for takeover of a scheme by Uisce Eireann.