💧 How to Apply for a Well Water Treatment Grant in Ireland (2025 Edition)

🚿 Why Treat Private Well Water in Ireland?

Thousands of homes across Ireland depend on private wells for drinking water. However, many wells are prone to contamination from:

• 🦠 Bacteria (E. coli, coliforms)

• 🧪 Nitrates

• ⚙️ Iron and manganese

• 🌪️ Turbidity or low/high pH

Contaminated water can pose serious health risks, especially to children and elderly residents. A well-functioning water treatment system can ensure your water is safe, clean, and tastes great.

To support homeowners, the government offers a Private Water Supply Grant — commonly called the Well Water Grant — which helps cover the cost of necessary works.

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✅ What Is the Well Water Treatment Grant?

The Private Water Supply Grant Scheme is managed by your local county council, under the Department of Housing. It provides financial support for:

• Water treatment systems that bring water up to EU safety standards

• Well repairs or upgrades, such as deepening or installing a new pump

• New well construction, if your current source is unusable

💶 How Much Funding Can You Get?

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🧾 Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the grant, you must meet the following conditions:

1. 🏠 Your house must be over 7 years old

2. 🚰 Your water supply must be private (not connected to Irish Water)

3. 💧 Your water must show contamination or serious quality issues in a lab-certified test

4. 📄 No previous grant has been paid for the same purpose in the last 7 years

5. 🧍 You must use the property as your main residence

⚠️ Important: Water softeners for treating limescale or hard water are not covered under this grant. Hardness is considered a natural mineral trait, not a health concern.

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📋 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: 🧪 Get a Lab-Certified Water Test

This is essential. You'll need a test from an INAB-accredited lab showing your well water is non-compliant (e.g. E. coli, high iron, manganese, nitrates).

💡 EcoFilter Ireland can recommend labs and advise you based on your test results.

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Step 2: 📞 Contact Your Local Authority

Reach out to your local county council and request a copy of the Private Water Supply Grant Application Form.

Or download directly from your council’s website, for example:

• Kildare County Council

• Wicklow County Council

• Cork County Council

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Step 3: 📝 Complete and Submit the Application

Include:

• Water test results

• Proof of residence

• Quotation for the proposed work

• A location map showing your well

At EcoFilter Ireland, we can provide a formal quote and spec sheet to support your application.

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Step 4: ⛔ Wait for Grant Approval

Do not start the work yet. You’ll need written approval from your council before you can go ahead. Otherwise, you may lose eligibility.

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Step 5: 🛠 Install the Treatment System

After approval, have the works completed by a qualified contractor. EcoFilter Ireland installs:

• UV disinfection systems

• Iron/manganese removal units

• Reverse osmosis systems (for nitrates & bacteria)

• pH correction systems

We ensure all installs are compliant with council standards.

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Step 6: 💼 Submit Receipts and Claim Your Grant

Once the work is done, submit:

• Final invoice

• Photos of completed installation

• Completed post-work claim form

Your council will verify the work and release your payment.

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💭 What’s Not Covered by the Grant?

Let’s clear this up:

❌ Water softeners for limescale or hard water
❌ Cosmetic upgrades (e.g. tap replacements not linked to contamination)
❌ Work done before grant approval

👉 If the only problem is hard water, you won't be approved. But EcoFilter still recommends softeners to protect plumbing, heating systems, and appliances.

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🤔 FAQs

💡 Can I get a grant if my water is just hard (limescale)?

No. Hardness doesn’t count as a serious contamination. You’ll need evidence of other contaminants to qualify.

🧼 What if I have iron or manganese stains in sinks and toilets?

Yes — iron and manganese treatment systems are eligible, as they affect water compliance and usability.

⌛ How long does approval take?

It depends on your local authority, but typically 4 to 8 weeks from submission to grant approval.

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🔧 Need Help Choosing a Grant-Eligible System?

EcoFilter Ireland is here to help. We provide:

✅ Free water test guidance
✅ Full quotations for grant submission
✅ Installation across Ireland
✅ Expert help with UV, RO, iron filters, and more

📞 Or contact us for tailored advice on your water test and eligibility.

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📢 Final Thoughts

If you're relying on a private well in Ireland, now is the perfect time to make sure your water is safe and healthy — and the government will help foot the bill. Just make sure your issue qualifies (not just hard water!).

EcoFilter Ireland is your trusted partner for all grant-approved treatment systems. Let us handle the hard work 💪 — so you can enjoy better, cleaner water.