Clare County Council has been given a 2013 deadline to replace lead water mains at several estates in Ennis.
In 2010 it emerged the local supply in parts of Marion Avenue Connolly Villas and Saint Michaels Villas contained excessive amounts of leads due to antiquated pipes in older houses.
Late last year Environment Minister allocated over 233 thousand euro to the local authority to carry out advanced works to replace the old piping system, however the EPA has issued new guidance asking authorities to bring the network within 2013 requirements.
The agency has issued five legally binding orders on compliance to a total of four water authorities- including Clare County Council to increase efforts to identify and replace lead mains pipes by December 25th of next year.
