Laois Co Co Text Only - Water Services FAQ

When the water supply has been switched off to carry out repairs, bursts etc., some sediment can become dislodged from the water pipes during the switching back on of the supply. If you run the water for a short time it should run clear.

2) My water supply was off recently. The water from the tap appears cloudy. Is this to be expected?

This is quite common. When a water main has been opened to repair bursts etc., air enters the pipe and gives the water a milky/cloudy appearance when it comes from the tap. If you leave the water to settle in the glass you will see that the air quickly leaves and the water is as clear as normal.

3) My water is off at the moment. Can I still use my central heating system?

If a registered contractor has installed your central heating system, it will be run from a separate expansion tank in the attic. This water will not be affected by a water mains shutdown and it is safe to use your central heating.

4) My water was off recently and water has come back to the cold taps downstairs. Why is there still no water in the upstairs bathroom and what can be done?

This occurs in some plumbing systems after a water shutdown. It is an airlock in your system and you may need to engage a plumber to eliminate it. Laois County Council endeavour to keep shutdown of supplies to a minimum but do not maintain interior plumbing systems.

5) Why is water sometimes cut-off without notice?

Laois County Council is not always in a position to inform of shutdowns as they are often of an emergency nature, e.g. burst mains, and the priority is to attend to and remedy the problem as quickly as possible. Where an area is programmed for a water shutdown, advance notice is usually given in the form of leaflets, and local radio and newspaper advertisements.

6) Who is responsible for leaks?

Responsibility for leaks depends on the location of the leak. Any leak on the consumer side of the connection is the responsibility of the consumer and up to the connection is Laois County Council’s responsibility.

7) What is a Well Grant?

It is a grant funded by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and administered by Laois County Council. The objective of the Grant Scheme is to assist households dependent on private individual water supplies to improve a serious deficient supply either by drilling a new well or installing a new pump on an existing well. A "Well Grant" application form is available from the Water Services section of this website.

8) How do I apply for a Well Grant?

Complete and return a 'Well Grant Application' form (‘WG1’) which is accompanied by explanatory memoranda.

9) How much of a Well Grant can I receive?

The amount of a grant will be 75% of the approved cost or €2031.58, whichever is the lesser.

10) How do I get a connection to the water mains?

Complete and return a ‘Water Connection’ form, available from the Water Services section of the website.

11) What kind of water charges apply?

Information on water charges is available from the Finance Section of the website.

12) Who monitors drinking water quality?

http://WaterQuality/DrinkingWater/

13) How do I get a connection to the sewer?

Complete and return a ‘Sewerage Connection’ form, available from the Water Services section of this website.

14) What is a Group Water Scheme (GWS)?

A GWS is the piping of water from a single source by a group of neighbours to their homes and associated farms.

15) How do I apply for a GWS?

The minimum number of houses required to set up a GWS is two. Full details in the Water Services section on the Laois County Council website.

16) What funding is available for a GWS?

The Grant available from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is 85% of total costs up to a maximum grant payment of €6,475.66 per domestic connection. The members of the Group Scheme must pay a 15% contribution and monies collected from the members should be lodged to the Group Scheme Bank Account ready to meet costs as they fall due.

17) Who is responsible for maintenance of a GWS?

The individuals who are participants in the GWS are responsible for its maintenance, unless the scheme has been taken in charge by Laois County Council.

18) How do we proceed with having the GWS taken in charge?

The GWS’s trustees must contact the Water Services Department and must apply to have the group scheme taken in charge by Laois County Council.

19)How do I apply for a Road Opening Licence?

Complete and return a ‘Road Opening Licence’, available from the Roads section of our website.