2025 Works Programme Highlights: Uisce Éireann’s Standards & Specifications

We’re continuing to strengthen and evolve our technical standards to support the delivery of high-quality, future-ready water and wastewater infrastructure across Uisce Éireann.

As part of this ongoing effort, we’ve made significant progress on the 2025 Standards & Specifications Works Programme, including the release of a major new specification and the opening of stakeholder feedback on draft documents. See below for more information.  

New Wastewater Treatment Design Specification Now Live 

Approved in April 2025, the new Wastewater Treatment Functional Design Specification (FDS) sets out Uisce Éireann’s approach to the design of Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) assets. It consolidates key design principles, criteria, and guidance into one comprehensive document—providing a clear starting point for all WwTP design work.

The FDS complements existing standards and is structured around five key areas:  

  • Design Principles - Strategic alignment and core philosophies.  
  • Design Criteria - Minimum data requirements and reference sources.  
  • Process Asset Selection - A practical tool to support early-stage design.
  • High-Level Process Requirements - Asset-specific guidance and links to existing standards.  
  • Commissioning, Operation & Maintenance - Integration, testing, and performance guidance.  

A new design guidance tool also accompanies the FDS, helping users identify suitable process assets based on high-level site data. This supports early-stage planning and aligns with Uisce Éireann’s Invest to Outcome (I2O) process.  

Continuous Improvement in Action: Review and Comment on Batch 1 Drafts 

Draft Standards & Specifications from Batch 1 of the 2025 Works Programme were made available for stakeholder review and feedback. These drafts will now be presented to Uisce Éireann’s Water Technical & Environmental Forum (WTEF) in August 2025 for approval.  

The review and feedback period is now closed. Thank you to all stakeholders who provided input.

Please check back regularly for further opportunities to Have Your Say on upcoming drafts as part of our ongoing engagement process. 

What’s Next? 

Work is already underway on Batch 2 of the 2025 Works Programme, with further draft Standards & Specifications expected to go live for feedback in Q3 of 2025.  

Stay tuned to this page for the latest updates, release timelines, and opportunities to get involved.