The primary function of the Water Services Department is to provide water and sewerage facilities in accordance with the Public Health of Ireland Act, 1878.
The Census of population and Housing 2006 indicates that approximately 49,993 households in County Donegal enjoyed piped water supply-37,378 if which were supplied directly from public mains and the balance of 6,916 were supplied through the Group Water Supply Schemes, either taken in charge by the council or private. Some 4,429 households had private supplies, and 140 households reported no supply. The corresponding figure for wastewater facilities indicate a much higher dependence on private systems. 19,125 households were connected to public schemes, 28,184 reported individual septic tanks, 367 households reported “other” facilities, and 163 reported no facility.
Water is extracted from eighty-eight separate water sources throughout the county and delivered to consumers through forty four public water supply schemes, 10 public group water schemes and 51 private group water schemes.
Wastewater systems are categorised in terms of “population equivalent” treated. There are two schemes serving in excess of 10,000 population equivalent (Letterkenny and Killybegs), six public schemes in Donegal treat more between 2,000 and 10,000 population equivalent, twenty two public schemes treating between 501 and 1,999 p.e, and fifty six public schemes treating less than 500 p.e.
Role and objective of Water Services Section
The objective of the Water Services Section of the Council is to provide quality water to the inhabitants of the county and provide and maintain the sewerage infrastructure in its towns and villages.
The main functions of this department are as follows:
- The provision of major and small water and sewerage schemes
- The operation and maintenance of public water and sewerage schemes
- The overall administration and approval of group water and sewerage schemes
- The provision of public conveniences
Current News!
Please click here for further details on the contract signing for Frosses Inver / Mountcharles Upper and Lower Water Supply Schemes.