Two of the principle researchers of the DairyWater project, Prof. Xinmin Zhan and Dr. Liwen Xiao, along with Dr. Connie O’Driscoll, Project Manager, were recently awarded funding for the assessment of natural organic matter (NOM) and ptaquiloside (Pta) in Irish waters under the EPA Research Programme 2014. The project commenced in March 2014. In summary, the overall objective of this project is to quantify more accurately the risk of NOM (a precursor for harmful carcinogenic tri-halomethanes) and Pta (a carcinogenic by-product of bracken) to surface water and groundwater supplies in Ireland. Specifically, high risk catchments for public and private water supplies in relation to NOM and Pta across Ireland will be identified and NOM and Pta concentrations in raw surface and groundwater sources will be monitored and estimated in selected catchments.