Get your water tested first: the council won't test a private well for you, and the result shows whether you need treatment.
Quick facts
- Fix a well
- 85%, up to €3,000
- New well
- 85%, up to €5,000
- Water treatment
- 100%, up to €1,000
- Minimum grant
- €750
- House age
- Over 7 years
- Apply to
- Council rural water section
Who qualifies
"To qualify for a grant , your house must be more than 7 years old and not connected to a public or group scheme." It's for rural homes that can't get the public supply.
The three grants
- Repairs: "This grant covers 85% of the approved costs of rehabilitation works to your well, up to a maximum of €3,000."
- New well: "This grant covers 85% of the approved costs of a new well, up to a maximum of €5,000." "Your local authority must agree that a new well is the most appropriate solution."
- Water quality: "This grant covers 100% of the approved costs of improving water quality in your well, up to a maximum of €1,000.", such as filtration or UV treatment.
"The minimum grant you can get is €750."
Your well is your responsibility
"If you have a well, you are responsible for maintaining your own water supply. The local authority will not test your supply." Seal, disinfect and test a new well.
How to apply
Send the application form to the rural water section of your local authority, which has the Department's terms and conditions.
Common questions
How much is the private well grant in Ireland?
85% of approved repair costs up to €3,000, 85% of a new well up to €5,000, or 100% of water treatment up to €1,000.
Who can get a well grant?
Owners of houses more than 7 years old that aren't connected to a public or group water scheme.
Does the council test private wells?
No. If you have a well, you're responsible for your supply, and the local authority won't test it.
Is there a grant for UV water treatment?
Yes, 100% of approved water quality costs, up to €1,000.