The EPA's review of local authority water quality performance over a three-year period (1997 to 1999) found that:
Co Carlow recorded high coliform values in the Carrigduff and Hacketstown supplies last year, but quality is regarded as "satisfactory" throughout the review period.
Co Cavan has had a continuing problem with water that is difficult to treat, with aluminium exceeding limits frequently but at no serious threat to the consumer. Although the county had no serious problems, overall general quality has declined over three years.
Co Clare's group water schemes are "quite unsatisfactory", while its public water supply is generally satisfactory. Most of the limits exceeded in public supplies related to presence of aluminium, colour, iron, and fluoride "in particular".
Cork County (North) public supplies have declined in quality, due to coliform incidence in almost one-fifth of all samples analysed; Cork County (South) is better, with a welcome fall in incidences of fluoride, odour and taste. Coliform numbers have risen markedly since 1997.
Quality in Co Galway is "tentative", based on insufficient bacteriological analysis, but there has been an overall improvement of quality in group water schemes tested. Coliform incidences were fewer and confined to a small number of supplies, mainly those at Cornamona, Mountbellew and Roundstone.
Co Kerry is satisfactory overall, but there is a marked degree of faecal coliform incidence affecting some towns.
In Co Kildare, nitrate levels in several supplies - such as Castlemitchell, Kilbeg/Kildangan and Kilberry - are not satisfactory.
Co Laois has "major problems" with some of its group schemes.
Co Longford has a rise in excess limits of aluminium and coliforms - the latter mainly due to a large number of group schemes - but overall quality is satisfactory.
In Co Mayo, just under twothirds of samples taken from 120 group water schemes showed coliform presence, and in all but seven of the 94 supplies affected there was faecal coliform presence. However, remedial action is being taken. Overall quality of public supplies is "satisfactory".
Co Monaghan has recorded serious contamination problems in some private supplies.
Co Offaly's group schemes also show contamination, with unwelcome and repeated values for nitrates in the Corndarragh group water scheme. Overall, there has been a decline in exceeding coliform limits and a significant improvement overall in nitrate levels.
Co Sligo's overall quality is satisfactory, but there have been repeated incidences of faecal contamination in the Calry supply.
Tipperary South Riding has "less satisfactory" quality in group schemes, with very high coliform levels in the Clonmore south and Skeheenarinky schemes.
Westmeath County Council is satisfactory overall, but aluminium levels continue to "bedevil" the Athlone supply.