🚿 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:
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🦠 Bacteria (E. coli, coliforms)
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🧪 Nitrates
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⚙️ Iron and manganese
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🌪️ 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.
✅ 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:
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Water treatment systems that bring water up to EU safety standards
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Well repairs or upgrades, such as deepening or installing a new pump
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New well construction, if your current source is unusable
💶 How Much Funding Can You Get?
| Type of Work | % Covered | Maximum Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Water treatment (e.g. UV, iron filters) | 100% | €1,000 |
| Well repairs or rehabilitation | 85% | €3,000 |
| New well construction | 85% | €5,000 |
🧾 Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the grant, you must meet the following conditions:
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🏠 Your house must be over 7 years old
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🚰 Your water supply must be private (not connected to Irish Water)
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💧 Your water must show contamination or serious quality issues in a lab-certified test
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📄 No previous grant has been paid for the same purpose in the last 7 years
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🧍 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.
📋 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.
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:
Step 3: 📝 Complete and Submit the Application
Include:
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Water test results
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Proof of residence
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Quotation for the proposed work
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A location map showing your well
At EcoFilter Ireland, we can provide a formal quote and spec sheet to support your application.
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.
Step 5: 🛠 Install the Treatment System
After approval, have the works completed by a qualified contractor. EcoFilter Ireland installs:
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UV disinfection systems
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Iron/manganese removal units
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Reverse osmosis systems (for nitrates & bacteria)
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pH correction systems
We ensure all installs are compliant with council standards.
Step 6: 💼 Submit Receipts and Claim Your Grant
Once the work is done, submit:
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Final invoice
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Photos of completed installation
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Completed post-work claim form
Your council will verify the work and release your payment.
💭 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.
🤔 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.
🔧 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.
📢 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.
