As part of Work Package 5 (WP5) intoDBP, DCU hosted the Irish Case Study Board meeting in May 2025, bringing together representatives from the National Federation of Group Water Scheme (NFGWS) and the case study sites in Co. Mayo alongside stakeholders from the Irish water sector, including Úisce Eireann and the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO).
During the meeting a discussion forum collected data on the feasibility of Source Water Protection (SWP) measures for mitigation against dissolved organic matter, the precursor to disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation, in drinking water sources. This format resulted in a day of important collaboration with open discussions and feedback between both stakeholders and researchers. This data, together with a survey distributed to NFGWS members, helped to guide the project and develop recommendations.
The findings suggest there is a potential role for SWP to improve DBP management in conjunction with treatment plant improvements and upgrades. However, there is currently a lack of evidence-based research demonstrating the effectiveness of SWP measures in mitigating against DOM and DBP formation which is a significant barrier to the uptake and implementation of such measures. In addition, active and participatory approaches to education and support in this area will encourage stakeholders to shift their perception from an end of pipe only solution to a multi-barrier approach to reduce the overall risk of DBP contamination of drinking water.
