Boil water notice issued for hundreds of residents living close to Limerick/Tipperary border
HUNDREDS of people living close to the Limerick/Tipperary border are being advised not to drink water from the local public supply following the detection of cryptosporidium.
Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Uisce Éireann and Tipperary County Council have issued a Boil Water Notice to protect the health of approximately 470 consumers who are supplied by the Glengar Public Water Supply scheme.
The notice impacts customers in Glengar, Leugh, Knockanavar, Moher East, Moher West, Shanacloon, Gortaderry, Ballyhane East, Ballyhane West and surrounding areas.
In a notice, issued this Friday evening, Uisce Éireann and Tipperary County Council confirmed the Boil Water Notice takes immediate effect.
All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.
Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of water.ie and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.
Uisce Éireann says its primary focus is, and always will be, the protection of public health. Drinking water experts from both the utility and the local authority are working to implement solutions to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible in consultation with the HSE.
Uisce Éireann’s Colin Cunningham has acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers.
“Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority, and we are working closely with Tipperary County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, and in consultation with the HSE.
“Uisce Éireann’s drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins. Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Éireann’s enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) are consulted and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE,” he said.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled and cooled.
The advice is that water must be boiled for the following uses: Drinking; drinks made with water; preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating; brushing of teeth; making of ice -
Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets.