Irish Water has issued a Strategic National Plan for Water Services in Ireland.
The document sets out the challenges faced in the provision of water services in Ireland, and strategies for its improvement.
This strategic plan lays out the steps we must take to ensure the availability of safe drinking water in Ireland and the protection of the environment from the impact of waste water discharges.
The document is divided into six themes: customer service; clean, safe drinking water; effective treatment of waste water; a sustainable environment; supporting economic growth; and, investing for the future.
The plan outlines the weaknesses in the water system, including high levels of water leakages, disruption to supply and varying water quality standards.
It also focuses on the need for greater investment in our water system over the next 25 years.
The company claims they will need 25 years to reduce leakage to acceptable levels - and at least 10 years to eliminate lead piping from public mains, warning that 38% of our water will still be lost by 2021.
Irish Water's investment plan lays the blame for the state of Ireland's water supply on funding from successive Governments which "rarely met the levels required".
2021 is also the target date to eliminate all boil water notices while bringing all waste treatment plants to EU standards will also take a quarter of a century.
Meanwhile, the company says Dublin will need a new supply of water by 2020.
The document has been issued in a draft format to allow for public consultation and Irish Water are inviting all stakeholders and customers to give their input.