Water crisis boiling over

'The true purpose of water charges has become clear: to reduce government investment in our utility services'

Emelia and Ewa Goralczyk at the Irish Defence Forces temporary water station at Brookville Park in Drogheda Picture: Barry Cronin

The loss of water supply to more than 50,000 people in Louth and Meath this week was yet another reminder of the deep-rooted crisis in our water and sanitation system.

At least 10 per cent of the water distribution system is at risk of similar leaks. Some 1,300 kilometres of pipe urgently need to be replaced. Under current plans this will take at least four years. To describe this as an appalling vista ...