Source to Tap
An INTERREG funded cross-border project aimed to improve water quality in the Erne and Derg water catchments.
The Source to Tap project worked towards protecting and improving the quality of water sources in the Erne and Derg catchments. Both Uisce Éireann and Northern Ireland Water were involved, making the project a cross-border initiative. The project ran from 2018 to 2022 and helped to develop sustainable ways to protect our water sources.
To learn more about the project, explore all related materials on the Source to Tap Project website.
Project background
Source to Tap was a €4.9m project with a goal to protect and improve water sources in the Erne and Derg cross-border catchments. The project was funded by the European Union's INTERREG VA Programme, with match funding from the following departments:
- Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland
- Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH)
The project was managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Uisce Éireann were partners on the Source to Tap project, along with Northern Ireland Water as the lead. The project also united other partners, including:
- Agri-Food Biosciences Institute
- Ulster University
- The Rivers Trust
- East Border Region
Project outcomes
The Source to Tap project was completed in 2022. Through this time, there have been many significant results, including:
- a €1.16 million investment for water protection measures on 118 farms
- pesticide reductions in source waters and decreasing trends in turbidity
- new insights into pesticide dynamics in river systems were achieved
- design and trial on methods to reduce sediment loss from forestry
- an online and in-person education programme for primary students.