National Federation of Group Water Schemes

17/06/2026

Great to see this from Teagasc, well done to all and keep up the great work.👏💦👏

From sprayer calibration and roadway management, along with tips on slurry storage and managing clean water, the Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign team share top tips to protect water quality on your farm over June.

16/06/2026

The NFGWS Water Refill Station Project is in full swing this summer 💧🌿, with GWSs across Ireland bringing these fantastic community amenities to areas with high footfall 🚶‍♀️.

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment funded project is keeping people hydrated, reducing single-use plastic waste ♻️ and promote more sustainable habits in our communities 🌍💚 a win for both people and communities.

The response so far has been incredible, there’s a real 'thirst' for refill stations and for the opportunity they provide to showcase the vital work of GWSs at a local level 💧🏡.

Here are some great moments from recent installations by Tydavent GWS and Kilsherdany GWS 📸✨.
It’s brilliant to see the smiles 😄 and such strong community engagement, exactly what this initiative is all about! 💙👏

12/06/2026

🌊✨ Smiles, splashes & a love for water in the making! ✨🌊
We had a fantastic day visiting the local students in Cavan, as part of the Kilsherdany GWS DCEE Funded Water Refill Station project 👏
Led by the brilliant Jimmy and Julie Fairbairn, and supported by NFGWS staff Barry and James, the day was packed with learning, laughter and plenty of fun!
👣 The students explored:
💧 The source of their water
🏭 The treatment plant
🎤 And enjoyed a lively, interactive presentation from James (which was definitely a highlight!)

To top it all off, every child went home with a reusable sports water bottle and a copy of the brand new “All About Water” school book 📘💙

It was a day full of curiosity, energy and smiles, helping inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect their local water and environment 🌿

Thanks to the school principal, teachers, GWS contractor and the children for making it such a memorable day :)

💧
Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

05/06/2026

📢 Our Communities Team in the Western region is delighted to announce details of the Communities Caring for Water - Regional Conference 2026.

📅 Date: Thursday, 25th June
⏰ Time: 10:00am-4:30pm
📍 Location: Belcarra Community Centre, Belcarra, Co. Mayo, F23 HY58

This year the theme is the "Great Western Lakes". The focus will be on communities working towards the care of lakes in the West and also a focus on the impact that water quality has had on species dependent on those lakes. 🌊

This a regional conference (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon) and we welcome attendance from all groups within the region.

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/3RHIHaI

The event will be held in conjunction with Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA).

🙌 Hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Mayo County Council Mayo.ie Galway County Council Galway City Council Roscommon County Council Mayo Public Participation Network - PPN Galway County Public Participation Network Roscommon Public Participation Network

05/06/2026

There are still places available on this FREE course at Knocknagrave Environmental Centre. No previous knowledge required. Book with [email protected]

03/06/2026

Wishing all students across Ireland the very best as you take on your state exams this week! 🍀📚
Remember!
Your brain works best when you look after yourself. So stay hydrated, keep that water bottle close, and take a few minutes to reset between study sessions and exams 💧

Think of it like a GWS supply: keep the flow steady, don’t let yourself run dry, and you’ll stay clear-headed right to the finish 😉

Mind yourselves, back yourselves, and do your best — that’s all anyone can ask. You’ve got this!✨
🍀💧

27/05/2026

💧 Help protect your water supply during this dry spell 💧
With the current warm, dry weather, water supplies across many GWS are under increased pressure. Every drop counts,and small changes at home can make a big difference.

🌿 From shorter showers to smarter garden watering, there are simple ways we can all help maintain supply for our communities.

👉 Check out these 22 practical water conservation tips and do your part today:
https://nfgws.ie/22-water-conservation-tips-to-help-maintain-supply/

Let’s work together to keep water flowing for everyone, now and in the weeks ahead. 💙

26/05/2026

🎉 We’re delighted to announce… the launch of the 2026 GWS Excellence Awards! 🎉
It’s time to celebrate the incredible work, commitment, and innovation happening across GWSs nationwide 💧👏

From outstanding governance to top-class operations and community impact, these awards shine a light on the groups setting the standard and making a real difference every day.
🌟 Could your GWS be one of this year’s winners? 🌟
👉 Find out more, explore the categories, and get involved here:
https://nfgws.ie/launch-of-the-gws-excellence-awards-2026-recognising-outstanding-gws-performance-nationwide/

Let’s recognise excellence. Let’s celebrate success. Let’s showcase the best of GWSs across the country 💙

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Biodiversity Ireland
Volunteer Ireland

20/05/2026

🎥💧 Get Involved. Make a Difference. Protect Your Water. 🌱
Ever wonder how you can play a part in protecting your local water source and environment? Our latest video showcases the amazing work volunteers are doing with group water schemes across Ireland, and how you can get involved too!

From planting native trees and creating buffer zones 🪴, to supporting biodiversity projects like pollinator-friendly planting 🐝, to taking action on climate through simple, local initiatives, there’s something for everyone.

Volunteering with your local group water scheme isn’t just about water, it’s about community, nature, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
👉 Watch the video to see the impact in action
👉 Get inspired
👉 Be part of the change
Because when communities come together, small actions make a big difference 💙

20/05/2026

La Asociación de Traídas de Agua (Coxapo) es cofundadora de la Alianza Europea de Comunidades de Traídas de Aguas (Acowas-EU), junto con la Federación Nacional de Comunidades de Agua de Irlanda (NFGWS), la Asociación de Traídas de Agua de Alta Austria (OÖ Wasser) y las asociaciones nacionales de Dinamarca (Danske Vandvaerker) y Finlandia (SVOSK).

En Acowas-EU compartimos experiencias y defendemos intereses comunes, analizamos amenazas, colaboramos en proyectos europeos, y aprendemos juntos.

National Federation of Group Water Schemes Danske Vandværker Wolfgang Aichlseder Vesa Arvonen