The source code: Group Water Schemes protecting rural water

For over two decades, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) has been at the forefront of protecting Ireland’s drinking water sources. As the representative body for circa 380 community-owned group water schemes (GWSs), the NFGWS has consistently championed science-based, community-driven approaches to drinking water source protection and its co-benefits for biodiversity, climate action, and the wider environment.

Source protection

Over the past 20 years, these efforts have evolved into a sophisticated and inclusive process that combines scientific analysis with local engagement, to safeguard and protect or improve water quality at its source and within the wider source catchment. By July 2027, every privately-sourced GWS in Ireland will have completed comprehensive risk assessments and risk management plans for their source catchments. This milestone reflects the sector’s proactive stance on water safety planning and its alignment with national and EU regulations and will help in improving water quality and environmental outcomes for rural families, schools, and businesses.

Biodiversity enhancement and climate action

Actions taken under these plans also deliver co-benefits for biodiversity and climate resilience, making them a cornerstone of sustainable rural development. This holistic approach was exemplified in the NFGWS’s recently completed Biodiversity Enhancement and Climate Action (BECA) project, which involved 36 GWSs and was funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). The learnings from BECA are now being rolled out across the sector, reinforcing the Federation’s commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

The NFGWS has been designated as a lead organisation in the Water Action Plan 2024, with responsibility for 66 ‘Areas for Action’ across rural Ireland. This role underscores the Federation’s strategic importance in Ireland’s national water policy landscape.

Shaping the future

Central to the GWS sector’s success is its philosophy of “the head, the heart, and the hands”. This approach ensures that community engagement through its member GWSs is not only informed by science (“the head”), but also emotionally resonant (“the heart”), and practically empowering (“the hands”). Whether working with farmers, residents, or schools, the Federation ensures that everyone involved understands the issues, feels valued, and knows how they can contribute.

Beyond its operational work, the NFGWS plays a vital role in helping to shape national water policy. It actively contributes to key forums such as An Fóram Uisce, the Drinking Water Expert Group, and other strategic working groups, ensuring that the voice of rural communities is heard in decision-making processes.

As Ireland faces increasing environmental challenges, the work of the NFGWS stands as a model of how community-led, science-informed action can deliver tangible benefits for water quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience. With its proven track record and clear vision, the Federation continues to be a vital stakeholder in protecting Ireland’s most precious natural resource.

E: info@nfgws.ie
W: www.nfgws.ie