Antimicrobial resistance is prevalent in E. coli and other Enterobacterales isolated from public and private drinking water supplies in the Republic of Ireland

High levels of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have been reported in many environmental studies conducted in Ireland and elsewhere. The inappropriate use of antibiotics in both human and animal healthcare as well as concentrations of residual antibiotics being released into the environment from wastewaters are thought to be contributing factors. Few reports of AMR in drinking water-associated microbes are available for Ireland or internationally. We analysed 201 enterobacterales from group water schemes and public and private water supplies, only the latter having been surveyed in Ireland previously.

The level of AMR detected in thisstudy was low but not insignificant and justifies ongoing surveillance of drinking water as a potential source of antimicrobial resistance.