Uisce Éireann Supporting Science Week 2025

As Ireland’s national water utility, Uisce Éireann is proud to support Science Week 2025 and inviting young minds across the country to discover how science, technology and innovation are shaping the future of Ireland’s water and wastewater services.

Behind every tap and drain lies a world of scientific problem-solving. From the natural world of catchments and rivers, to the built environment of drinking water and wastewater treatment, Uisce Éireann uses a range of advanced modelling techniques to understand and manage the complex systems that keep Ireland’s water flowing. 

These models help engineers and scientists understand how water moves through Ireland’s natural landscapes and built infrastructure. By simulating both the natural environment and our built systems, Uisce Éireann can plan upgrades, manage demand, and protect water quality and the environment. These tools support smarter decision-making and help ensure that water and wastewater services remain safe, efficient and sustainable for the future. 

“Modelling is like building a digital twin of Ireland’s water environment,” said Daniel Hawtree, Environmental Modeller. “It allows us to simulate everything from catchments to wastewater flows, which helps us plan upgrades, ensure safe and sustainable water services, and to protect the environment.” 

Modelling also plays a key role in protecting Ireland’s bathing waters and shellfish areas, helping to identify potential sources of pollution and assess how land use or infrastructure might affect sensitive coastal zones. This scientific insight supports better environmental management and helps safeguard public health and biodiversity. 

To celebrate Science Week, Uisce Éireann is encouraging primary schools to explore the science of water — from the journey of a raindrop to the treatment processes that make water safe to drink. Through interactive classroom activities and online resources, students can learn how science plays a vital role in keeping communities supplied with clean, safe water. 

“We want children to see that science is all around them,” added Daniel Hawtree. “Every time they turn on a tap, they’re part of a system that’s been carefully designed and managed using the same principles they learn in the classroom — observation, experimentation and curiosity.” 

By inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers, Uisce Éireann hopes to show that the future of water is in good hands — and that the journey from cloud to cup is one of Ireland’s most exciting science stories.