1.0 Operations and Maintenance Programme

Operations and maintenance programme expanded substantially for 2008. Increase in schedule of planned maintenance for all water and waste water plants.

2.0 Capital Programme

2.1 Major Schemes

2.1.1 Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme
Exploratory Well Drilling and Yield Testing have been completed for Dunmore and Kilkieran Wellfields and suitable groundwater sources have been identified. The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been completed. The final EIS report will be submitted to An Bord Pleanala for approval in 2010.

2.1.2 Gowran/Goresbridge/Paulstown WSS
A route for the proposed permanent access road to the source has been agreed with the relevant landowner and a detailed design is being completed for this work. Tenders were sought in 2009 for the upgrading of the Water Treatment facilities at the source. It is intended to carry out both contracts in 2010, subject to funding.

2.1.3 Bennettsbridge Water Supply Scheme
Works were carried out in 2009 to raise the well heads at Knockanore and protect the groundwater source from the impacts of flooding.

2.1.4 Ballyragget, Clogh/Castlecomer and Urlingford/Johsntown WSS Bundle
Preliminary Report and Technical Report were forwarded to the DoELHG in September 2008 for approval. The completion of the major scheme is not possible at this time due to lack of funding.

Provision has been made in the WSIP 2010-2012 for some upgrade works on the Johnstown Water Supply scheme. The completion of these works is subject to funding.

2.1.5 Callan, Graignamanagh and Thomastown/Inistioge WSS Bundle
The preliminary report on the scheme has been submitted to the DoHELG for approval.

Provision has been made in the WSIP 2010-2012 for some upgrade works on the Thomastown / Inistoige Scheme. Completion of these works is subject to funding.

2.1.6 Mooncoin Water Supply Scheme
Phase 1A works contract commenced in September 2009. Commissioning is expected in June 2010 with handover in September 2010. The works included under this Phase 1A Contract involve the development of groundwater sources in South Kilkenny, the construction of a water treatment works and balancing storage at Mullinabro, construction of 2 Nr. reservoirs at Ballinvoher and the installation of approximately 12.6 km of watermain. Total cost of Phase 1A is €14M.

2.1.7 Kilkenny City & County Metering Project
The Non-Domestic water meter project has been completed. The installation of new and replacement meters on service connections greater than 1" is currently taking place.

2.1.8 Kilkenny Waste Water Treatment Plant
An Oral Hearing was held by An Bord Pleanala in May 2009 in relation to the Environmental Impact Statement for the upgrading of Kilkenny Wastewater Treatment Plant. Kilkenny County Council are currently awaiting a decision on this proposal, made under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.

Provision has been made in the WSIP 2010-2012 for interim upgrade works on the Kilkenny WWTP, which will address ongoing issues at the plan.

2.1.9 Freshford, Johnstown & Goresbridge Sewerage Scheme Bundle
Site Investigations and flooding studies were completed in 2009. Draft contract documents were prepared for (1) Network Improvements (2) Wastewater Treatment plants and (3) network rehabilitation. Funding is not available at present for the completion of the major scheme proposals.

Provision has been made in the WSIP 2010-2012 for the provision of interim treatment plants in Freshford, Goresbridge and Johnstown. The completion of these contracts is subject to funding.

2.2.10 Kilmacow Sewerage Scheme
The Network contract is completed and the construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (DBO) commenced in mid January 2010 and is expected to be commissioned in June 2010.

2.2 Assessment of Needs

A revised assessment of needs completed in late 2009 and submitted to the Dept for inclusion in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 - 2012. The revised assessment of needs considered schemes on the basis of prescribed priorities with the objective of delivering a more focused water services investment programme for the limited resources available.

2.3 Complete Information System - A database for the water supply network

To date, Kilkenny County Council has substantially completed the data collection throughout the County, related to water services. Data collection includes the creation of a comprehensive customer database for each individual area, including the type of service, name address, metered/un-metered, residential/non residential/domestic/agricultural etc. A substantial amount of this data was updated as part of the non domestic water metering project.

2.4 Water Conservation Study

Stage 1 work has been completed with flow meters and telemetry installed on all the water supply schemes Countywide. Stage 2 (Active Leakage Control) commenced in January 2009. This involves the detection and repair of leaks on water supply schemes throughout County Kilkenny. Significant progress has been made in reducing levels of unaccounted for water under this programme. Stage 2 will continue until approximately the end of 2010.

2.5 Serviced Land Initiative

2.5.1 SLI - Gowran Sewerage Scheme
The new Wastewater Treatment Plant for Gowran village is complete and has been fully operational since July 2009.

3.0 Rural Water Programme

There are 232 Group Schemes in the County-124 Groups served from a private source & 108 Groups connected to the public supply. 68 of the public group schemes are not taken in charge.

• Five Kilkenny group schemes - Ballycallan, Castleinch, Castlewarren, Clifden and Cuffesgrange were included in the South Leinster group of 39 schemes - treatment plants for which are being provided under a Design Build & Operate funding scheme. All schemes have been commissioned.
• The sum of € 261,151.99 was paid out in improvement grants to group schemes in 2009 and €25,168.96 being spent on the Takeover of Group Schemes.
• Asset management of rural water sector advanced and all sources covered by regulations have been mapped. Work continues to record pipe network details into GIS format also.
• 50 Subsidies totalling €339,893.03 were paid to Group Schemes in 2009.
• 114 approvals issued for grant applications for provision of wells to private houses and the sum of €174,133.85 was paid out in well grants in 2009.
• The sum of €900,155.93 was spent on the provision & improvement works to public water and sewage schemes under the small schemes programme. Works were carried out to 22 schemes in 2009.

4.0 Water Quality Programme

• The water quality monitoring programme for 2009 built upon successive improvements in 2008 and 2007 and increased further the quantity and range of testing of water across source, drinking and waste waters.
• The programme includes testing programmes for all categories of public and private drinking water and waste water supplies.
• The targeted intervention approach to those schemes with the highest environmental liability based upon water quality monitoring results proved very effective once again in 2009 and corrective actions have proved very successful.
• The particular focus on Cryptosporidium monitoring has been retained.
• The Water Quality Liaison Group Meetings with the HSE have proved both very successful and practical in managing the quality of drinking water supplies and ultimately addressing the public health of the consumers. These meetings have become more efficient and effective due to the incorporation of strong water quality monitoring information management.
• The Laboratory Information Management System has been successfully used to manage and communicate water quality information to inform decision making within water services. In particular the information system is used at important decision making forums and meetings such as the Water Quality Liason Group Meetings and Rural Water Monitoring Committee Meetings to inform strategic policy making and operational decisions. The next step forward is to deliver a new online solution for reporting in a customer focused way water quality monitoring data.
• The additional water quality monitoring instrumentation deployed in 2008 has been built upon and a pilot of a new SCADA and Telemetry system commenced. Ultimately this will deliver a powerful real time plant and network management information system.
• By the end of 2009 Kilkenny Water Services Authority had completed all of its 35 number applications / certificate applications to the EPA for Discharge License under the Waste Water Authorisation Regs. This programme of submission of applications to the EPA for waste water agglomerations will ultimately lead to improved waste water treatment and discharges to the receiving environment.

5.0 Water Charging Programme

The Water Charges Programme built upon the changes implemented in 2008. The primary areas addressed included:

• Continuance of review of customer database and improvement of customer records.
• Water Pricing Policy reviewed to reflect issues presenting on the ground and continue Polluter Pays Principle.
• Ongoing public relations efforts to keep customer informed of changes underway in the water charges programme.
• Piloting of new online water charges solution to empower customers with more information and ultimately provide online service provision.
• Meter reading and billing delivered on quarterly basis. This was possible by bedding down new meter reading and billing management information systems.
• The Customer Relationship Management system introduced was further developed and used to good effect to manage customer issues presenting.

6.0 Water Safety

• Water Safety Awareness was promoted in Kilkenny throughout 2009 some of which was channelled through local radio, newspapers and a very successful public awareness day at Market Cross Shopping Centre.

• Promoted Water Safety Awareness week.

• Presentation of Lifeguard Certificates: Training for lifeguards was undertaken from January to May, 2009. A total of 50 pool lifeguards qualified and a presentation of certificates by Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Tomás Breathnach was held in County Hall, to which the new lifeguards and their parents were invited. Some of these lifeguards continued their training and were employed by The Watershed and also by Kilkenny County Council on the rivers in Kilkenny during the summer months from June to September, 2009.

• Appointed and managed 14 lifeguards for summer season. 

• Ring Buoys: Intensive monitoring of Ring Buoys has taken place throughout 2009 to ensure Ring Buoys in both city and county are checked and replaced on a weekly basis. A new website initiated by Kildare County Committee of Irish Water Safety has been updated with all details of locations of Ring Buoys in Kilkenny city and county. The website address is: www.ringbuoys.ie - any member of the public can log on and report a missing/damaged ring buoy in the city or county.

• Nore Swim: The Annual Nore Swim was held in August, 2009.  It has increased in popularity this year, with over 100 participants. A contribution from the proceeds of the Nore Swim was made to The Samaritans.

• The Watershed: Kilkenny County Committee of Irish Water Safety are very happy with the new pool at The Watershed and feel it has proven to be a great amenity for the city and county.

Capital Schemes

Kilkenny Water Supply Scheme

Consultants have been appointed. Contracts in place for exploratory well drilling and testing. Thirteen sites have been identified. Exploratory well drilling and testing has already commenced on some of these sites and all well drilling and testing should be completed by June 06. Preliminary Report due July/August 06.

Kilkenny City Water Supply

The City water supplies are operating well. Supply deficiencies are being managed satisfactorily, and water quality difficulties experienced in former years have been eliminated. The Supply will be upgraded within the current Water Services Investment Programme.

Ballyragget, Clogh/Castlecomer and Urlingford/Johsntown WSS Bundle

Consultants have been appointed to prepare a Preliminary Report.

Bennettsbridge Water Supply Scheme

Consultants have been appointed. Contracts in place for exploratory well drilling and testing which will be completed by June 06. Preliminary Report due in July/Aug 06.

Callan, Graignamanagh and Thomastown/Inistioge WSS Bundle

Interviews for appointment of Consulting Engineers to prepare a Preliminary Report will take place in February 2006.

Gowran/Goresbridge/Paulstown WSS

DOE are awaiting a report from Consultants on increased costs of the proposed scheme. This report will be ready for submission to the DOE by end of January 2006.

Mooncoin Water Supply Scheme

Advert for the engagement of a Consulting Engineer to prepare a Preliminary Report has been placed in the O.J.E.C. Expressions of interest due in February 2006, following which short-listing of candidates will take place.

Troyswood Water Supply Scheme

Our commitment to maintain the high standard of quality of drinking water produced at Troyswood Water Treatment Works and to improve the efficiency of the treatment system continues.

Water demand in the City continues to grow rapidly. Our Consulting Engineers are currently investigating the watermain network to determine what improvements and future extensions are necessary to meet this, as well as exploring possible new sources of supply. Their recommendations are expected later in the year.

Kilkenny Waste Water Treatment Plant

As a result of careful management, the Treatment Works is operating well, and the quality of treated wastewater being discharged to the River Nore is consistently satisfactory and within the required standards.

The plant is due to be upgraded under the current Water Services Investment Programme 2005 - 2007.

Freshford, Johnstown & Goresbridge Sewerage Scheme Bundle

Consultants have been appointed (subject to fee approval by the DEHLG) to prepare a Preliminary Report.

Kilmacow Sewerage Scheme

Contract documents are being prepared and the planning process including Part 8 for two pump stations is in process. The serving of wayleaves has also commenced. Following completion of this process, approval form the DOE will be required for contract document stage.

Kilkenny Sludge Management

It is proposed to provide a sludge treatment centre in Kilkenny under the Water Services Investment Programme.

Water Conservation Project

Council are awaiting approval from DEHLG to the appointment of Consulting Engineers. Interviews have been held and there is a recommendation with the DEHLG

Metering Project

The Government's Water Pricing Policy Framework requires the charging of non-domestic customers of water and wastewater services for the recovery of the full costs of providing such services to these customers. This is in line with National and EU policy on the application of the polluter pays principle.

Complete Information System

The National Water Study recommended that local authorities develop and maintain modern and up to date records of their water services systems using standard data collection methods. The development of a Complete Information System has been progressed on behalf of the Department by the Local Government Computer Services Board.

To date, Kilkenny County Council has completed approximately 70% of data collection throughout the County, related to water services. Data collection includes the creation of a comprehensive customer database for each individual area, including the type of service, name address, metered/un-metered, residential/non residential/domestic/agricultural etc. The Project should be completed by the end of 2006 as remaining services can be located without total caretaker involvement speeding up data collection in remaining areas, due to metering projects and water conservation projects being ongoing in remaining areas

Rural Water Programme

Kilkenny County Council is responsible for the administration of a number of grant and subsidy schemes which are aimed at resourcing the Group Water and Sewerage sector in addition to individual house owners who finance the supply of water from their own resources.

• There are 232 Group Schemes in the County-124 Groups served from a private source & 108 Groups connected to/or now part of a public supply
• Five Kilkenny group schemes - Ballycallan, Castleinch, Castlewarren, Clifden and Cuffesgrange were included in the South Leinster group of 39 schemes - treatment plants for which are being provided under a Design Build & Operate funding scheme. It is anticipated that construction work will commence on the DBO Bundle in March 2006. Advance works to the value of €40,245 were carried out in 2005 and will be completed in 2006.
• The Council approved the takeover of three schemes- Drakelands was completed , Kilbride & Ahenure Group Schemes will be completed in 2006.The sum of €237,660 was spent on takeovers in 2005.
• The sum of €284,000 was paid out in Improvement Grants to Group Schemes- Castlewarren, Coolagh/Caherleske, Ballymack,  Newtown/Ovenstown, Kilree, Highrath, Johnswell, Killoshulan, Listerlin, Parks/Rathclevin, Maddoxtown and Windgap.
• The sum of €4063 was paid out in grants to Prologue, Callan, Group Sewage Scheme.
• Subsidies totalling €106,016 were paid to 37 Group Schemes in 2005.
• 70 approvals issued for grant applications for provision of wells to private houses and the sum of €99,368 was paid out in well grants.
• The sum of €844,000 was spent on the provision & improvement works to public water and sewage schemes under the small schemes programme. Works were carried out to 20 schemes in 2005.
• A Water Quality testing programme was undertaken for 26 schemes in 2005 and will be extended to 56 schemes in 2006.

Rural Water Monitoring Committee

The Committee consists of nine persons from the group scheme, rural and local authority sectors. The Committee meets every two months to advise on the development/implementation of the County Rural Water Strategic Plan, to oversee the operation of the local programme and to provide input to the National Monitoring Committee.

The current membership is:

Rural Water Liaison Officer plus one Engineer from Kilkenny County Council.

Assisted by a Representative of the National Federation Group Water Schemes.

Serviced Land Initiative

Ballyragget Waste Water Treatment Plant - Substantially complete. Mechanical and Electrical contractor to carry out some remaining works.

Mooncoin Waste Water Treatment Plant - Existing WWTP is being upgraded and due to be commissioned in March 2006.

Callan Waste Water Treatment Plant - This plant was commissioned in 2005.

Urlingford Waste Water Treatment Plant - This Scheme has been completed.

Capital Schemes

Gowran/Goresbridge/Paulstown WSS
The proposed abstraction order has been approved by the Council.

Kilmacow Sewerage Scheme
The brief for the engagement of a Consulting Engineer has been approved by the DoEHLG. The next step is to advertise for a Consulting Engineer/Clients Representative.

South Kilkenny Water Supply Scheme (Belview Port)
A Preliminary Report was published in August 2002 and submitted to the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The Consultants have been requested to prepare the necessary documentation for the Planning Process.

Water Conservation Project
An additional two full-time staff joined the project in September 2002. The average unaccounted for water was reduced from 41.22% in 2001 to 31.79% in 2003.

Sludge Management Plan
The Sludge Management Plan was submitted to the Department and is at present under consideration

Rural Water Programme

Kilkenny County Council is responsible for the administration of a number of grant and subsidy schemes which are aimed at resourcing the Group Water and Sewerage sector in addition to individual house owners who finance the supply of water from their own resources.

1. Private Well Grants

• 199 applications
• 178 paid
• €258,379 total of grants paid

2. Group Water Scheme Subsidies

• 40 applications
• 40 paid
• €75,833 total of subsidies paid

3. New Group Scheme Grants or Improvement Grants

• Total monies spent €927,085.

Serviced Land Initiative

Ballyragget Waste Water Treatment Plant - 80% of new plant completed in 2003 to cater for a population of 2000 p.e.

Mooncoin Waste Water Treatment Plant - To go to tender in early 2004.

Callan Waste Water Treatment Plant - Approval received from Department in 2002. Tenders received in 2003. Work to commence in February 2004.

Urlingford Waste Water Treatment Plant - Treatment Plant completed in 2003 to cater for a population of 1500 p.e.

Small Schemes Programme

Small schemes are those schemes estimated to cost less than €317,435. A grant of 75% is obtained from the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Council funds the balance from its own resources. The total monies available in 2003 was €562,500. The main schemes undertaken during the year included:

• Clogh/Castlecomer Water Supply (Mains Replacement)
• Urlingford/Johnstown Water Supply (Well Drilling)
• Kilkenny Water Supply (Improvement to Water Treatment Plant)
• Bennettsbridge Water Supply (Mains Replacement - Dunnamaggin & Kilmoganny)
• Bennettsbridge Water Supply (District Metering)
• Purcellsinch Sewerage Works (Improvement Works)
• Castlecomer Sewerage Works (Improvement Works)
• Urlingford Sewerage Plant (Metering & Instrumentation)

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Water Supply Scheme Characteristics

• No of schemes - 14
• No of households served - 14,000
• Cost of Maintenance of Schemes - €2,256,449

Sewerage Schemes Characteristics

• No of schemes - 12
• Population equivalent - 120,000
• Cost of Maintenance - €1,592,241
   

1.0 Operations and Maintenance Programme

Operations and maintenance programme expanded substantially for 2008. Increase in schedule of planned maintenance for all water and waste water plants.

2.0 Capital Programme

2.1 Major Schemes

2.1.1 Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme
The Preliminary Report and accompanying documentation was forwarded to the Department for approval in July 2008. Well drilling underway. We are now awaiting the EIS Report which is due to be completed in August/September 2009, following completion of exploratory well drilling and testing at Dunmore and Kilkieran Well fields. The EIS report will then be submitted to An Bord Pleanala for approval.

2.1.2 Gowran/Goresbridge/Paulstown WSS
Investigations to find an alternative source were unsuccessful. Additional protection works for the existing source will now be undertaken and are currently being designes, with a view to implementation in 2009. Discussions with landowners are ongoing in relation to obtaining an upgraded access. The major scheme works require a design review. This review will be complete early in 2009.

2.1.3 Bennettsbridge Water Supply Scheme
Preliminary Report received, currently being examined by Kilkenny County Council. Advance works to protect well heads from flooding being designed.

2.1.4 Ballyragget, Clogh/Castlecomer and Urlingford/Johsntown WSS Bundle
Preliminary Report and Technical Report were forwarded to the DOE in September 2008 for approval.

2.1.5 Callan, Graignamanagh and Thomastown/Inistioge WSS Bundle
Draft Preliminary Reports have been received and reviewed and returned to Consultants for revision. Once these have been received they will be submitted, with a technical report, to the Department for approval.

2.1.6 Mooncoin Water Supply Scheme
EIS for full scheme has been approved by An Bord Pleanala . Site investigations and well drilling complete. Contractor short listing underway. Construction of Phase 1 to commence in 2009.

2.1.7 Kilkenny City & County Metering Project
The installation phase of the Non-domestic metering project has been completed and automatic meter readings are currently being taken. The first bills using the automated billing system will be issued to customers in April 2009.

2.1.8 Kilkenny Waste Water Treatment Plant
A revised Preliminary Report & EIS has been prepared, evaluated and issued to An Bord Pleanala and DoEHLG respectively. A decision from An Bord Pleanala is anticipated early in 2009.

2.1.9 Freshford, Johnstown & Goresbridge Sewerage Scheme Bundle 
Preliminary Report has been conditionally approved by the DoEHLG. Detailed design to commence shortly.

2.2.10 Kilmacow Sewerage Scheme
The construction of the network has been completed. The contractor for the waste water treatment plant is due to be appointed in April 2009 and the works are expected to be completed by end of 2009.

A new assessment of needs was undertaken in 2006 and was submitted to the Dept for inclusion in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007 - 2008. This needs assessment is reviewed on an annual basis.

2.3 Complete Information System - A database for the water supply network

To date, Kilkenny County Council has substantially completed the data collection throughout the County, related to water services. Data collection includes the creation of a comprehensive customer database for each individual area, including the type of service, name address, metered/un-metered, residential/non residential/domestic/agricultural etc. A substantial amount of this data was updated as part of the non domestic water metering project.

2.4 Water Conservation Study

Stage 1 work has been completed with flow meters and telemetry installed on all the water supply schemes Countywide. The DoEHLG have given approval for Stage 2 which is active Leakage Control. Leak Detection teams will be established in 2009 to find leaks and have them repaired. This work will be ongoing for 2 years.

2.5 Serviced Land Initiative

2.5.1 SLI - Gowran Sewerage Scheme
The new Wastewater Treatment Plant for Gowran is being constructed at present and is expected to be completed in July 2009.

2.5.2 SLI - Western Environs
Department approval in principle to SLI funding has issued. Detailed proposal to be prepared.

2.5.3 SLI - Bennettsbridge Sewerage Scheme
Department approval received.

2.5.4 SLI -Thomastown Sewerage Scheme
Tenders received and being evaluated.

2.5.5 Castlecomer Sewerage Scheme
Detailed design underway.

2.5.6 Ballyhale Sewerage Scheme
Detailed design underway.

2.5.7 Stoneyford Sewerage Scheme
Detailed design underway.

3.0 Rural Water Programme

• There are 232 Group Schemes in the County-124 Groups served from a private source & 108 Groups connected to the public supply. 68 of the public group schemes are not taken in charge.
• Five Kilkenny group schemes- Ballycallan, Castleinch, Castlewarren, Clifden and Cuffesgrange were included in the South Leinster group of 39 schemes - treatment plants for which are being provided under a Design Build & Operate funding scheme. All schemes have been commissioned.
• The sum of € 321, 030.63 was paid out in improvement grants to group schemes in 2008, with a further €39,601.08 being paid out in grant aid to schemes in the DBO Bundle and €48,127.52 being spent on the Takeover of Group Schemes.
• Asset management of rural water sector advanced and all sources covered by regulations have been mapped. Work continues to record pipe network details into GIS format also.
• 52 Subsidies totalling €184,445.82 were paid to Group Schemes in 2008.
• 88 approvals issued for grant applications for provision of wells to private houses and the sum of €145,417.00 was paid out in well grants in 2008.
• The sum of €1,070,108.11 was spent on the provision & improvement works to public water and sewage schemes under the small schemes programme. Works were carried out to 31 schemes in 2008.

4.0 Water Quality Programme

• The water quality monitoring programme for 2008 built upon improvements in 2007 and increased further the quantity and range of testing of water across source, drinking and waste waters.
• The programme included testing programmes for all categories of public and private water and waste water supplies.
• Identified WWTW under pressure from increased loadings and initiated corrective action programmes.
• Continued our long running testing programme for Cryptosporidium..
• Set up regular meetings with HSE regarding public safety for the delivery of safe & secure drinking water. From these regular meetings Kilkenny County Council have a good working relationship with HSE.
• Water Quality Monitoring administration service was improved through the deployment of a new Laboratory Information Management System. This is constantly being reviewed in order to work towards the release of current, accurate and informative information to the public.
• Kilkenny Water Services Authority invested in new monitoring equipment at all drinking water treatment plants to improve the management of risk of contamination of supplies. Chlorine monitors and alarms were installed at all public drinking water plants and turbidity monitors installed as required depending on the characteristic of the source water.
• Kilkenny Water Services Authority submitted 6 applications to the Environmental Protection Agency for a Discharge License under the Waste Water Authorisation Regs. This programme of submission of applications to the EPA for waste water agglomerations will ultimately lead to improved waste water treatment and discharges to the receiving environment.
• Kilkenny Water Services Authority implemented an innovative scheme in cooperation with the Rural Water sector of site audits of private drinking water schemes. This programme will assist managers of private supplies to improve management and facilities at drinking water schemes in advance of the imminent programme of Licensing of all private water supplies under the Water Services Act 2007.

5.0 Water Charging Programme

• Reviewed and updated non-domestic customer base in conjunction with water metering project.
• Reviewed water pricing policy in context of transfer of sanitary services from Borough to County Council.
• Reviewed charges for water and waste water in context of gradual migration to true economic cost for service provision.
• Delivered public relations campaign to keep customer base informed of changes under way in the water charging programme.
• Implemented new management information system for the management of meter reading (including automatic meter reading AMR facility) and meter billing.
• Implemented new customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage all customer queries relating to water charges to deliver a more responsive and transparent customer query management service.
• All customers were issued, where appropriate, with a final invoice for charges for the calendar year 2008 through to December 31st. This concluding invoice for 2008 completed charging under the old charging system. The invoice also facilitated the introduction of the new charging system consistent with the EU Polluter Pays Principle from January 1st 2009 onwards on a quarterly basis.

6.0 Water Safety

• Water Safety Awareness was promoted in Kilkenny throughout 2008 some of which was channelled through local radio, newspapers and a very successful public awareness day at Market Cross Shopping Centre.
• Promoted Water Safety Awareness week.
• Presentation of Lifeguard Certificates: Training for lifeguards was undertaken from January to May, 2008. A total of 45 pool lifeguards qualified and a presentation of certificates by Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr. Marie Fitzpatrick was held in County Hall, to which the new lifeguards and their parents were invited. Some of these lifeguards continued their training and were employed by Kilkenny County Council on the rivers in Kilkenny during the summer months from June to September.
• Appointed and managed 15 lifeguards for summer season.
• Ring Buoys: Intensive monitoring of Ring Buoys has taken place throughout 2008 to ensure Ring Buoys in both city and county are checked and replaced on a weekly basis. This initiative to be further developed in 2009.

Water Services

Kilkenny Water Services Authority is responsible for 20 public drinking water supplies and 35 public waste water treatment schemes.

• In 2011 the Authority produced over 10.1 m m^3 of quality drinking water directly to a population of over 61,000 across the county.
• The Authority acts as a supervising Authority for private water supplies that fall under the Drinking Water Regulations.
• SCADA systems installed on Drinking Water Supplies.
• Provided specialised accredited training and upskilling of caretakers managing treatment facilities.
• Complete review of all monitoring stations used for Group Water Schemes to ensure water quality monitoring is representative.
• Review of all site specific safety statements for drinking and waste water facilities.
• Progression of the "Releasing Water Quality Information Project" which won the Chambers Ireland Award 2011. As part of this initiative a new water quality alert notification system was launched increasing the responsiveness of the Authority when incidents arise.

In 2011 the Authority produced over 10.1 m m^3 of quality drinking water directly to a population of over 61,000 across the county.

Operations and Maintenance Programme

• Operations and maintenance programme continued to grow during 2011 with the commissioning of a number of new water and waste water facilities in order to achieve improved compliance with all statutory requirements.
• All Caretakers have been trained in either Water or Waste water caretaking skills up to FETAC Level 5.
• Caretakers have been assigned to only either water or waste water plants, thereby allowing for improved specialisation and avoidance of any risk of cross contamination.
• Increase in schedule of planned maintenance for all water and waste water plants.
• A programme to install alarms and SCADA systems at all plants is continuing.
• Kilkenny County Council is part of a SE Regional Committee, established to exchange ideas and to establish best practice for Water & Waste Water Operations & Maintenance.
• Drinking Water Incident Response Plan implemented with the establishment of a dedicated emergency depot.
• Site Specific Safety Statements were completed for all water and waste water treatment plants.
• Kilkenny County Council was awarded a Chambers Ireland award for its system of on line water quality information publication.

new water quality alert notification system was launched

Capital Programme

Major Schemes

Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme

The Preliminary Design Report has been submitted for approval to the DOEHLG.
Work is scheduled to commence on the repair of Reservoir No. 2 (1 million gallon) at Radestown. The Contractor has been selected and work is scheduled to commence in March, 2012, at a cost of €250,000.
 

Gowran/Goresbridge/Paulstown WSS

Two contracts, namely Ultra Violet (UV) works and Access road construction, were completed in 2011 at a cost of €500,000.
 

Ballyragget, Clogh/Castlecomer and Urlingford/Johnstown WSS Bundle

Preliminary Design Reports for these schemes are being reviewed by the Department of Environment.
 

Callan, Graignamanagh and Thomastown/Inistioge WSS Bundle

This overall bundle of schemes is on the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) 2010 - 2012, with the main advanced contract being the Inistioge Advance Works Contract.
 

Waterford City Waste Water Treatment Plant.

The new Waterford City waste water treatment plant, located at Belview Port in Co Kilkenny, was officially opened by Minister Phil Hogan, T.D. The plant will cater for the future waste water needs of the Waterford City environs, located in Co Kilkenny, as well as including a substantial capacity for IDA Ireland's strategic industrial lands at Belview. In all, Kilkenny County Council has contributed approximately €5m to the project.
 

Kilkenny City Waste Water Treatment Plant

An Bord Pleanala has approved the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Kilkenny (Purcellsinch) Waste Water Treatment Plant. The Council is at present developing design proposals for interim works.
 

Appropriate Assessment Applications

Appropriate Assessment of Natural Impact Statements and Outline design reports for the following waste water treatment plants are being considered by An Bord Pleanala;

• Ballyhale waste water treatment plant outfall
• Paulstown waste water treatment plant outfall
• Urlingford waste water treatment plant interim upgrade
• Castlecomer waste water treatment plant interim upgrade
• Stonyford waste water treatment plant interim upgrade

It is expected that these applications will be finalised around mid 2012.
 

Freshford, Johnstown & Goresbridge Sewerage Scheme Bundle.

The Council are advancing the design proposal for these village schemes as a matter of urgency.
 

Kilmacow Sewerage Scheme

The new DBO waste water treatment plant is now commissioned and fully operational.
 

Water Conservation

Water conservation is primarily concerned with reducing the levels of unaccounted for water in water supply schemes. Unaccounted for water includes water losses as a result of leakage from mains and fittings, unauthorized connections, excessive consumption, and unmetered non-domestic connections.

• Central Government funding for Stage 2 works (leak detection & repair) is nearing completion. Kilkenny County Council has established its own leak detection crew to continue this essential work.
• Since the commencement of Stage 2 works in 2009, almost 2,500 leaks have been detected on both public and private mains.
• An overall repair rate of 91% has been achieved and the volume of water required to be produced in now less than 80% of what was required in 2009.
• Department approval to commence Stage 3 works (mains replacement and remediation) has been received and it is anticipated that works can commence on site on the first such contract in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Rural Water Programme

There are 232 Group Schemes in the County - 124 Groups served from a private source & 108 Groups connected to the public supply. 68 of the public group schemes are not taken in charge. There were 108 operational Small Private Supplies at the beginning of 2011 including Schools, Housing Estates & Food Premises.

• The sum of €355,000 was paid out in improvement grants to group schemes in 2011 and €1,550 being spent on the Takeover of Group Schemes.
• 71 Subsidies towards the operational running costs of Group Water Schemes totalling €231,000 were administered and paid to Group Schemes in 2011.
• 99 approvals issued for grant applications for provision of wells to private houses and the sum of €164,000 was paid out in well grants in 2011.
• The sum of €600,000 was spent on the provision & improvement works to public water and sewage schemes under the small schemes programme.
• A survey of 192 sampling stations on the 48 regulated Group Water Schemes was completed in 2011. This information was used to ensure an up to date representative 2011 Annual Water Quality Monitoring Programme.

Water Charging Programme

Kilkenny County Council established the Water Charges Business Unit in August 2010. This unit brought together staff from Sanitary Services and Debt Collection to provide a more focused approach on water charges.

The Water Charges Business Unit is responsible for invoicing and collection of water charges. Invoicing is generally on a quarterly basis but in 2011 the Council introduced monthly billing for high consumers.

This assists both the customer and the Council from a cash flow perspective.

For the second consecutive year there was no increase in water and waste water charges. Rates for non-domestic users were 0.96 euro / m^3 for drinking water and 1.93 euro /m^3 for waste water (a combined rate of 2.89 euro).

Kilkenny County Council continues to promote a number of initiatives such as data loggers, meter.ie, to encourage monitoring of water usage.

A leaflet offering a guide to 2011 Water charges and offering advice to customers on water conservation was also distributed to all customers.

Water Quality Programme

The water quality monitoring programme for 2011 built upon successive improvements since 2007 and increased further the quantity and range of testing of water monitoring across source, drinking and waste waters.

The programme includes testing programmes for all categories of public and private drinking water and waste water supplies. In 2011 there were over 8,500 tests conducted on public supplies and over 5,300 tests carried out on private supplies.

The Authority has invested in a well resourced water quality monitoring team comprising a senior chemist and 4 Environmental Technicians.

The Authority's laboratory facilities were enhanced with new equipment in 2011 increasing the internal capacity to conduct monitoring.

Additionally the Authority has a strong working relationship with a number of external laboratories involved in the monitoring programme.

The Water Quality Liaison Group Meetings with the HSE have continued to be very successful and practical in managing the quality of drinking water supplies and protecting public health of the consumers. The Group has worked very well to manage water quality incidents arising.

A new initiative commenced in 2011 called "Releasing Water Quality Information Project" sought to build upon the successful changes in the water quality monitoring service and find new effective ways to publish water quality information internally and externally and importantly encourage the use of water quality information in decision making. The Project won the 2011 Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards under the Strategic Water Initiative category. Kilkenny Water Service Authority hopes to build on this success in a phase 2 development for 2012.

A new water quality alert notification system has been introduced to strengthen the Drinking Water Incident Response Plan infrastructure and facilitate timely responses to incidents as they arise.

In 2011 total of 13,800 quality tests were conducted on public and private water supplies.